Morse code

/ˌmɔrs ˈkoʊd/

/mɔs kəʊd/

Other forms: Morse codes

Morse code is a form of communication that represents letters, numbers, and spaces using dots and dashes. Telegraph machines send and receive Morse code electronically.

The American inventor Samuel Morse helped develop both the telegraph and the code used for sending telegraph messages. Morse code was named after him in the 19th century. Prior to the system's invention, it frequently took weeks for messages to reach their destination. The telegraph, and Morse code, made it possible for people to send and receive messages in minutes.

Definitions of Morse code

1. noun

   a telegraph code in which letters and numbers are represented by strings of dots and dashes (short and long signals)
   synonyms: Morse, international Morse code

   type of:

   code

   a coding system used for transmitting messages requiring brevity or secrecy