simulcast
UK[ˈsɪməlkɑːst]US[ˈsaɪməlkæst]
n
A broadcast of a program on television and radio at the same time.
v
To broadcast (a program) on television and radio at the same time.
Morpheme Breakdown
simul
cast
simul
same
cast
broadcast
Etymology
The word 'simulcast' is a modern portmanteau, coined in the mid-20th century with the advent of combined radio and television broadcasting. It ingeniously blends the Latin adverb 'simul', meaning "at the same time", with the English verb 'cast', which in broadcasting terminology means to transmit a signal. The term's logic is perfectly transparent: a "simultaneous broadcast". While 'simul' is a direct borrowing from Latin, 'cast' has a more complex journey, originating from a Scandinavian root meaning "to throw" and evolving in English to encompass the idea of projecting sound or pictures through the air. Thus, 'simulcast' literally and logically describes the act of throwing or transmitting content via multiple channels concurrently.
Analysis
Structure: simul (same) + cast (broadcast)
- simul: From Latin 'simul', meaning "at the same time, together". It functions as a combining form indicating simultaneity.
- cast: From Old Norse 'kasta', meaning "to throw". In English, it developed the specific sense of transmitting sound or images via radio or television waves.
Examples
The concert will be a live simulcast on national radio and television.
The network decided to simulcast the championship game to reach the widest possible audience.
Listeners who missed the radio play could watch the televised simulcast later that evening.