Telephone combines Greek elements for distance and sound. English took the word from French téléphone before Bell’s instrument existed: it had already named a system for sending messages using musical notes. A new machine inherited a very fitting old name.
Sources
- Merriam-Webster · telephone
Dictionary word history; the component and historical references below supply additional detail.
- Online Etymology Dictionary · telephone
Historical forms, meanings, and context for the route described here.
- Merriam-Webster · tele-
Meaning of the component used in this puzzle.
- Merriam-Webster · -phone
Meaning of the component used in this puzzle.