UK: ˈiːmeɪl | US: ˈiːmeɪl
n. a system for sending messages electronically, typically between computers.
vt. to send a message or document electronically.
e-mail = e<electronic> + mail<postal correspondence>
- e: Short for "electronic," derived from Greek ēlektron (amber, later associated with electricity).
- mail: From Old French male (bag, trunk), later meaning "postal correspondence" in English.
Etymology Origin:
The term "e-mail" emerged in the 1970s as a compound of "electronic" + "mail," reflecting its function as a digital counterpart to traditional postal mail. The prefix "e-" became a standard shorthand for "electronic" in the digital age (e.g., e-commerce, e-book). The word retains the original spelling of both morphemes, making it easily recognizable and reconstructable.
Please send me the report via e-mail by tomorrow.
She checks her e-mail first thing every morning.
The company switched to e-mail notifications to reduce paper waste.
He forgot to e-mail the invitation to the team.
Spam filters help block unwanted e-mails.