PsychologyJuly 4, 2026

autodialer

/ˈɔːtəʊˌdaɪələ(r)/

Definition

A hardware or software system that automatically dials phone numbers to connect calls or send messages without human intervention.

Etymology

The word is a compound of the prefix 'auto-' (from Greek 'autos', meaning self) and 'dialer' (derived from the verb 'dial', originating from the Latin 'dialis' related to a sundial). It emerged in the late 20th century to describe telephony equipment programmed to automate the calling process.

In the news

The term is used in the school's privacy disclosure to inform applicants that automated systems may be used to deliver informational or marketing messages to their mobile devices. It clarifies that such technology is utilized for efficient communication but is not a requirement for enrollment.

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California Lutheran University

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