Telegraphique

Telegraphique refers to telegraphy and related signaling technologies in French-language contexts. It describes systems that transmit textual information over a distance using coded signals, as well as the services and infrastructure that support such communication.

The word is derived from telegraphie, from tele- (far) and graphe (write), meaning literally "far writing." In French usage, telegraphiques may appear as an adjective or noun to designate items connected with the telegraph.

Telegraphique technology emerged in the 19th century with the development of electrical telegraphs. In France, national and regional networks connected major towns and military installations, enabling near real-time messaging before the advent of the telephone. International networks linked across Europe and beyond by submarine cables and land lines.

Early telegraphs used simple line signaling with on-off keying; later systems employed electrical relays, multipoint circuits, and standardized codes such as Morse or autographic codes in commercial use. Operators sent messages by translating text into signals and back at the receiving end.

By the mid-20th century, telegraphique networks were largely superseded by telephone, telex, and later digital systems, but the term remains in historical descriptions of early telecommunications and in discussions of 19th-century infrastructure.

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