Teles

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A plural term that can refer to televisions as electronic devices for viewing broadcasts ; or to distant objects or phenomena when used as a combining form in scientific or technical contexts ; or as a surname or name in various cultures
2. Used to describe multiple television sets for receiving visual signals ; objects or concepts associated with distance or remote operations in certain jargon ; or as a proper noun or family name
3. Refers collectively to TV units found in homes or public spaces ; denotes things relating to distance in some scientific language ; or identifies individuals or places by name in specific regions

Etymology: "Teles" is the plural of "tele", a clipping of the many English words beginning with the prefix "tele-", which comes from Greek "tēle", meaning "far" or "at a distance". The "tele" in "television" is the most familiar example, and the short form was used informally for the television set itself. Because "tele" is a clipped form, it shows how English speakers have repeatedly shortened long technical words, turning a prefix into a freestanding noun. The plural "teles" simply refers to more than one such set, so it names home television sets in the plural, as in a shop selling teles. Its meaning is therefore inherited directly from the everyday sense of "tele" rather than carrying any separate history of its own.

Synonyms: televisions, TVs