intercom
UK[ˈɪntəkɒm]US[ˈɪntərkɑːm]
n
a system of communication, often using a microphone and loudspeaker, that allows people in different parts of a building, aircraft, etc. to speak to each other
Morpheme Breakdown
inter
com
inter
between
com
communication
Etymology
The word "intercom" is a 20th-century contraction of "intercommunication system". The prefix "inter-", from Latin, establishes the core concept of exchange happening between parties. The clipped form "com" derives from "communication", which itself originates from the Latin verb communicare, meaning "to share, impart, make common". Thus, the term's literal logic is a device for "shared exchange between points," a concise modern label for an internal audio network that allows conversation across separate locations within a defined space like a building or vehicle.
Analysis
Structure: inter (between) + com (communication)
- inter: Latin origin, meaning "between, among". It functions as a prefix indicating reciprocal or mutual action.
- com: A shortened form of "communication", from Latin communicationem (a making common, imparting). It functions as the core noun element.
Examples
The receptionist announced the visitor over the office intercom.
The pilot made an announcement to the passengers via the aircraft's intercom.
Please use the intercom at the front gate to call the apartment.