satellite-tv
Meaning
A system for receiving television signals broadcast from communication satellites.
Structure
Usage
The remote cabin finally got access to satellite TV.
Many sports events are now broadcast exclusively on satellite TV.
They decided to switch from cable to satellite TV for a wider range of channels.
Etymology
The term is a modern compound noun formed in the mid-20th century. The first element, "satellite," originates from Latin satelles, meaning "attendant" or "bodyguard," which metaphorically described a celestial body orbiting a planet. Its application to human-made objects began in the 1940s. The second element, "TV," is an abbreviation of "television," itself a compound from Greek tēle- (far) and Latin visio (sight). The compound "satellite TV" logically denotes a television system where the signal is relayed via an artificial "attendant" in space, directly linking the ancient concept of an attendant to modern telecommunications technology.
Analysis
satellite: From Latin 'satelles' (attendant, guard). In this compound, it functions as a modifier specifying the transmission method. tv: An initialism for 'television'. In this compound, it functions as the head noun specifying the type of system.