cell phone

Or cell·phone

[sel-fohn]

noun

Telecommunications.

1. a wireless telephone using a system of low-powered radio transmitters, with each transmitter covering a distinct geographical area cell, and computer equipment to switch a call from one area to another, thus enabling broad-scale portable phone service.

2. such a wireless telephone that has other functions, as text messaging or internet access.

3. mobile phone.

cell phone

1. A portable telephone that uses wireless cellular technology to send and receive phone signals. This technology works by dividing the Earth into small regions called cells. Within each cell the wireless telephone signal goes over its assigned bandwidth to a cell tower, which relays the signal to a telephone switching network, connecting the user to the desired party.

The proximity to a cell tower is often the key to good reception when using a cell phone.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cell phone¹

First recorded in 1980–85; cell(ular) ( def. ) + phone ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

One of the officers chased the tow truck on foot and saw that Nunez was “laughing” as he recorded the officer with his cell phone, according to the affidavit.

From Los Angeles Times

Items that are commonly powered by such batteries include battery packs, e-cigarettes, cell phones and laptops.

From Los Angeles Times

The panel repeatedly brought up his illicit cell phone use in prison, which they said he appeared to have near constant access to for years.

From BBC

While behind bars, he'd got in trouble for having a cell phone, art supplies and tobacco - which he'd hidden inside a religious book.

From BBC

Tetrault also noted that the brothers have been caught with cell phones behind bars, a violation of prison rules that could be problematic for the parole board.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cellular phone www.thesaurus.com
• wireless telephone