ATLANTIC CABLE Meaning and
Definition
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The Atlantic Cable refers to a significant telegraph cable that was laid across the Atlantic Ocean, connecting Europe and North America in the mid-19th century. This cable served as a crucial link for long-distance communication between the continents, enabling the transmission of telegrams and facilitating rapid communication across vast distances.
The construction of the Atlantic Cable involved the laying of a submarine cable on the ocean floor, spanning approximately 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometers) across the Atlantic. It required intricate engineering efforts, specialized equipment, and skilled labor to successfully complete this enormous task. The cable itself comprised several layers, including conductive wires for transmitting electrical signals, insulating materials to protect the wires from seawater and other environmental factors, and an outer protective layer for added durability.
The installation of the Atlantic Cable represented a major milestone in global communication and brought about a revolution in long-distance messaging. Prior to its existence, communication between Europe and North America required several weeks by ship or relied on more primitive methods like carrier pigeons. With the Atlantic Cable, telegraph messages could be transmitted nearly instantaneously, revolutionizing international business, diplomacy, and personal communication.
The first successful transatlantic telegraph cable was completed in 1858, but due to technical difficulties and operational challenges, it only remained in service for a few weeks. However, subsequent efforts in the following years led to the establishment of more robust and efficient Atlantic Cables, transforming international communication and paving the way for further advancements in global connectivity.
Etymology of ATLANTIC CABLE
The word "Atlantic Cable" comes from the combination of the terms "Atlantic" and "Cable", each of which has its own etymology.
1. Atlantic: The term "Atlantic" originated from the Latin word "Atlanticus", which means "of or pertaining to Atlas". Atlas was a Titan in Greek mythology, often depicted as bearing the weight of the heavens on his shoulders. The name "Atlantic" was first used by Ancient Greek geographer and philosopher Strabo to describe the body of water beyond the Pillars of Hercules (modern-day Strait of Gibraltar), where the titan Atlas was believed to hold up the sky.
2. Cable: The word "cable" originated from the Late Latin term "capulum", meaning "halter" or "lasso". In the medieval period, this evolved into "capellus", which referred to a "halter", "rope", or "cable".
