| 释义 |
Freefone, n.|ˈfriːfəʊn|
Also Freephone and with lower-case initial.
[f. free a. + fone altered f. phone n.2]
The name of a service operated in the U.K. by British Telecom whereby the charge for calls made to an organization, esp. for information or to make use of a service, is borne by the organization itself rather than by the caller. Usu. followed by a name or number denoting the organization, service on offer, etc. Also, in the U.S., the proprietary name for a similar service. Cf. toll-free a. b.
1959Post Office Rep. i. 12 in Parl. Papers 1958–59 (Cmnd. 870) XXII. 747 ‘Freefone’ service... This service was opened experimentally in South Wales. It enables traders to attract business by telephone, by means of a special ‘Freefone’ number to which customers can make free calls, the charges being paid by the trader. 1972Times 20 Nov. 17/4 If the Government really wishes to help consumers with their price inquiries, why does it not make available to them the Post Office ‘Freephone’ and ‘Freepost’ facilities? 1984Official Gaz. (U.S. Patent Office) 8 May tm274/1 Freefone... For telephone services—namely, closed circuit and automatic telephone services... First use Sep. 2, 1975; in commerce Sep. 2, 1975. 1988Architects' Jrnl. 20 Jan. 62/2 Our freephone is your access to the biggest one-stop shop in town. 1990She Aug. 108/1 For further information on the Peugeot range, call Freefone 0800-678 800. |