area code — A three-digit number that identifies a specific geographic region for telephone calls
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A three-digit number that identifies a specific geographic region for telephone calls
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈeriə koʊd/
Example Sentences
- I keep forgetting my ex's area code, which is probably a good sign.
- The area code 555 is reserved for fictional phone numbers in movies.
- He memorized every area code in the country because he had no social life.
area code
NOUN[/ˈeriə koʊd/]
A three-digit number that identifies a specific geographic region for telephone calls
He dials carefully, making sure to enter the right area code first.
Working near a code, then clear the code!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The term emerged in the 1950s with the automation of North American telephone systems. It is a compound of 'area' (from Latin 'area', meaning open space or region) and 'code' (from Latin 'codex', meaning system of rules or symbols), created to designate numerical identifiers for geographic telephone regions.
Breakdown
area (region, geographic territory) + code (system of symbols or numeric identifier). The compound denotes a numeric prefix system used to identify specific geographic regions within telephone networks.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“I keep forgetting my ex's area code, which is probably a good sign.”
“The area code 555 is reserved for fictional phone numbers in movies.”
“He memorized every area code in the country because he had no social life.”
“Please include the area code when leaving your contact information.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
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