RELAY Definition & Meaning

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relay

[ noun ree-ley; verb ree-ley, ri-ley ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a series of persons relieving one another or taking turns; shift.
a fresh set of dogs or horses posted in readiness for use in a hunt, on a journey, etc.
Sports.
1. relay race.
2. a length or leg in a relay race.
Machinery. an automatic control device in which the settings of valves, switches, etc., are regulated by a powered element, as a motor, solenoid, or pneumatic mechanism actuated by a smaller, sensitive element.
Electricity. a device, usually consisting of an electromagnet and an armature, by which a change of current or voltage in one circuit is used to make or break a connection in another circuit or to affect the operation of other devices in the same or another circuit.
(initial capital letter) U.S. Aerospace. one of an early series of experimental low-altitude, active communications satellites.

verb (used with object)

relayed, relaying.

to carry forward by or as if by relays:
to relay a message.
to provide with or replace by fresh relays.
Electricity. to retransmit (a signal, message, etc.) by or as if by means of a telegraphic relay.

verb (used without object)

relayed, relaying.

Electricity. to retransmit a signal or message electronically.

relay

[ ree-ley ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

relaid, relaying.

re-lay.

relay

noun

a person or team of people relieving others, as on a shift
a fresh team of horses, dogs, etc, posted at intervals along a route to relieve others
the act of relaying or process of being relayed
1. short for relay race
2. one of the sections of a relay race
an automatic device that controls the setting of a valve, switch, etc, by means of an electric motor, solenoid, or pneumatic mechanism
electronics an electrical device in which a small change in current or voltage controls the switching on or off of circuits or other devices
radio
1. a combination of a receiver and transmitter designed to receive radio signals and retransmit them, in order to extend their range
2. ( as modifier )
  a relay station

verb

to carry or spread (something, such as news or information) by relays
to supply or replace with relays
to retransmit (a signal) by means of a relay
to broadcast (a performance) by sending out signals through a transmitting station
this concert is being relayed from the Albert Hall

relay

/ ��ŧ′�� /

An electrical switch that is operated by an electromagnet, such as a solenoid. When a small current passes through the electromagnet's coiled wire, it produces a magnetic field that attracts a movable iron bar, causing it to pivot and open or close the switch.

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of relay¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; (for the verb) late Middle English relaien “to unleash fresh hounds in a hunt,” from Middle French relaier, Old French: “to leave behind, release,” from re- re- + laier “to leave” (dialectal variant of laissier, from Latin ��; relax ); (for the noun) late Middle English relai “set of fresh hounds,” from Middle French, derivative of relaier

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of relay¹

C15 relaien , from Old French relaier to leave behind, from re- + laier to leave, ultimately from Latin �� to loosen; see relax

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

She’s convinced the dreams she’s been having as of late, and which she relays to her son in painstaking detail, offer clues as to where her husband may yet be found.

From

The unpaid work team at the Nene Valley Railway Museum relaid a track bed at the site.

From

He helped relay messages from the gunmen to police negotiators via an open window and telephone.

From

He won Olympic bronze in the men's 4x100m relay in Paris last summer and his world indoor title last month has further elevated his rising status in the sport.

From

Verify, assess, relay the facts and do so succinctly.

From

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