facsimile definition

<communications> ("fax") A process by which fixed graphic material including pictures, text, or images is scanned and the information converted into electrical signals which are transmitted via telephone to produce a paper copy of the graphics on the receiving fax machine.

Some modems can be used to send and receive fax data. V.27 ter and V.29 protocols are used.

[Details? Standards?]

(01 Sep 2004)

Origin: L. Fac simile make like; or an abbreviation of factum simile made like; facere = to make + similes like. See Fact, and Simile.

A copy of anything made, either so as to be deceptive or so as to give every part and detail of the original; an exact copy or likeness. Facsimile telegraph, a telegraphic apparatus reproducing messages in autograph.

(01 Mar 1998)