remote-control
UK[rɪˌməʊt kənˈtrəʊl]US[rɪˌmoʊt kənˈtroʊl]
n
A system for controlling a machine or apparatus from a distance by using radio or electronic signals.
v
To operate or direct a machine or apparatus from a distance.
Morpheme Breakdown
remote
control
remote
distant
control
command
Etymology
The term 'remote-control' is a modern compound, logically constructed from two pre-existing English words. 'Remote' originates from the Latin 'removere', meaning 'to move back or away', which evolved to signify physical or figurative distance. 'Control' has a fascinating journey from the Late Latin 'contrarotulus', a 'counter-roll' or duplicate register used for verification, which broadened into the general sense of checking, regulating, and directing. The fusion of these concepts in the 20th century perfectly captures the core function of the technology: exercising command ('control') over a device from a separate, distant ('remote') location.
Analysis
Structure: remote (distant) + control (command)
remote: From Latin 'remotus', past participle of 'removere' (to remove). It functions as an adjective meaning 'far away' or 'distant' in this compound.
control: From Anglo-French 'contreroller', from Medieval Latin 'contrarotulare' (to check by duplicate register). It functions as a noun/verb meaning 'to command, direct, or regulate'.
Examples
He lost the remote-control for the television.
Many modern drones can be remote-controlled via a smartphone app.
The scientist used a remote-control vehicle to explore the hazardous area.