Telefaxing

Part of speech: noun, verb

Definitions

1. The act of sending documents via facsimile technology over telephone lines
2. A method of transmitting printed material by converting it into electronic signals for reception
3. The process of transferring information through a machine that scans documents and sends them to another location using telecommunication systems

Etymology: "Telefax" joins "tele-," from Greek "tēle," meaning "far off," with "fax," a shortening of "facsimile." "Facsimile" comes from Latin "fac simile," literally "make similar," so the idea of an exact copy runs through the whole word. The "-ing" ending makes "telefaxing" the present participle and gerund of "telefax." That lets the same form name either the ongoing act of sending a copy across a distance or the activity itself.

Synonyms: faxing, sending a fax