Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
noun
- a wireless telephone using a system of low-powered radio transmitters, with each transmitter covering a distinct geographical area (cell), and computer equipment to switch a call from one area to another, thus enabling broad-scale portable phone service.
- such a wireless telephone that has other functions, as text messaging or Internet access.
- mobile phone.
noun
- a portable telephone operated by cellular radioIn full: cellular telephone
also cell phone, 1984, short for cellular phone.
A portable telephone that uses wireless cellular technology to send and receive phone signals. This technology works by dividing the Earth into small regions called cells. Within each cell the wireless telephone signal goes over its assigned bandwidth to a cell tower, which relays the signal to a telephone switching network, connecting the user to the desired party.