dah
UK[dɑː]US[dɑː]
n
A representation of the spoken sound 'dah', used to refer to the dash in Morse code or similar signaling systems.
Etymology
The word 'dah' is a direct phonetic imitation, created to represent the longer sound in contrast to the short 'dit' within the Morse code system. It has no deeper etymological roots in classical languages, being a modern, conventionalized sound-symbol. Its logic is purely representational, serving as a verbal label for a specific auditory signal. As such, its meaning is entirely defined by its operational context in communication codes.
Analysis
This is a simplex word, an onomatopoeic formation imitating a spoken sound.
Examples
In Morse code, the letter 'O' is represented by three dahs.
The operator tapped out a clear dit-dah-dit on the key.
You must distinguish the rhythm of a dit from a dah.