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e-mail

e–mail

noun \ˈē-ˌmāl\

: a system for sending messages from one computer to another computer

: messages that are sent electronically from one computer to another

: an e-mail message

Full Definition of E-MAIL

: a means or system for transmitting messages electronically (as between computers on a network) <communicating by e–mail>

a : messages sent and received electronically through an e-mail system <receives a lot of e–mail>

b : an e-mail message <sent him an e–mail>

— e–mail verb

— e–mail·er \-ˌmā-lər\ noun

See e–mail defined for English-language learners »

See e-mail defined for kids »

Origin of E-MAIL

electronic

First Known Use: 1982

Other Telecommunications Terms

Ethernet, intercept

e-mail

noun (Concise Encyclopedia)

Messages and other data exchanged between individuals using computers in a network. An e-mail system allows computer users to send text, graphics, and sometimes sounds and animated images to other users. It developed from large organizations using an internal messaging system as a communication link among employees. The mass provision of e-mail addresses for private individuals by Internet service providers led to the development of e-mail as a system to supplement or replace communication by letter.