teletypewriter (typewriter terminal, teleprinter) An obsolete device similar to an electric typewriter but with a signal interface by means of which it could communicate with a computer: it could receive messages for printing or could send messages generated on its keyboard. Often a paper tape punch and reader were attached or integrated into the unit. Teletypewriters were once extensively used as interactive terminals (especially the Teletype model) but have been superseded by VDUs.

tel·e·type·writ·er / ˌteləˈtīpˌrītər/ • n. a teleprinter.