Etymology Explorer › English

Where does “cablegram” come from?

Cablegram comes from English cable and Ancient Greek -γράμμα, derived from Ancient Greek γράμμα meaning "written character," from Ancient Greek γράφω meaning "to write," ultimately from Proto-Indo-European ger- meaning "to scratch."

cablegram (English): A telegram transmitted via a submarine cable; To...

Definitions

  1. A telegram transmitted via a submarine cable; To...

Ancestry of “cablegram”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishcableA long object used to make a physical connection;...
2Middle EnglishcableA cable or strong rope; Any kind of rope or...
3Old Northern Frenchcable—
4Latincapulumhandle; hilt; halter, lasso
5Latincapiō—
6Proto-Italickapiōtake
7Proto-Italickapjōtake, seize
8Proto-Indo-Europeankh₂pyéti—
9Proto-Indo-Europeankeh₂p-to seize, grab; to seize; take up; lift; to take,...
Every word from Proto-Indo-European keh₂p- →