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Morse code

either of two systems of clicks and pauses, short and long sounds, or flashes of light, used to represent the letters of the alphabet, numerals, etc.: now used primarily in radiotelegraphy by ham operators.
Also called Morse alphabet.
1830-40; after S. F. B. Morse Unabridged
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British Dictionary definitions for morse alphabet

Morse code

a telegraph code formerly used internationally for transmitting messages; it was superseded by satellite technology (the Global Marine Distress and Safety System) in 1999. Letters, numbers, etc, are represented by groups of shorter dots and longer dashes, or by groups of the corresponding sounds, dits and dahs, the groups being separated by spaces Also called international Morse code
Word Origin
C19: named after Samuel Morse
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for morse alphabet

Morse code


1867, earlier Morse key (1858), in honor of Samuel F.B. Morse (1791-1872), U.S. inventor who produced a system of telegraphic communication 1836. He invented both the recording telegraph and the alphabet of dots and dashes.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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morse alphabet in Science
Morse code  
A code developed by Samuel Morse used for transmitting messages in which letters of the alphabet and numbers are represented by various sequences of written dots and dashes, or short and long signals such as electric tones or voltages. Morse code was used extensively in telegraphy. In a format that has been standardized for international use, it is still sometimes used for long distance radio communication.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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