Word
dah
US/ˈdə/
UK/dˈɑː/
Definition
n. the long sound used in Morse code. It is three times as long as the short sound, which is called a 'dit'.
n. the phonetic representation of a dash in Morse code, representing a long signal. Typically paired with 'dit' to describe sequences of signals.
Examples
“The letter 'M' is represented by two dahs.”
“In Morse code, the letter 'O' consists of three consecutive dahs, making it easy to identify in an emergency signal.”
“While a dit represents a single unit of time, a dah is equivalent to three units, establishing the rhythmic foundation necessary for clear telegraphic communication over long distances.”
Examples
simple
“The letter 'M' is represented by two dahs.”
contextual
“In Morse code, the letter 'O' consists of three consecutive dahs, making it easy to identify in an emergency signal.”
complex
“While a dit represents a single unit of time, a dah is equivalent to three units, establishing the rhythmic foundation necessary for clear telegraphic communication over long distances.”
Usage
Often used in combination with 'dit' to vocalize Morse code patterns.
Etymology
Imitative
From Burmese ဓား (dha:). Possibly a doublet of dao.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.