Reading Theme:
911 Meaning: Emergency Telephone Number Guide
Meaning 1：emergency telephone number (911)
911
/naɪn wʌn naɪn/
n.
911 is the emergency telephone number in the United States and Canada, used to report urgent situations like fires, medical emergencies, or crimes.
emergency telephone number
➕
/ɪˈmɜːrdʒənsi ˈtelɪfoʊn ˈnʌmbər/
n.
911 is the dedicated emergency telephone number used in the United States and Canada to report fires, medical emergencies, or crimes.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
A numerical code derived from the digits 9, 1, and 1, chosen for simplicity and memorability.
💡 Mnemonic
Remember: '9-1-1' stands for 'Find Help Fast! Nine One One, Emergency's Done!'
📖 Example
When she saw smoke in the building, she immediately called 911 for help.
When she saw smoke in the building, she immediately called 911 for help.
🔗 Collocations
call 911 – to dial the emergency number for help
dial 911 – to press the digits 9-1-1 on a phone
911 operator – the person who answers emergency calls and dispatches services
🔄 Synonyms
emergency hotline (n.) – a telephone number that connects callers to emergency services
emergency service (n.) – a service that responds to urgent situations, often reached by a special number
help line (n.) – a telephone line providing immediate assistance in emergencies
📖 Cultural Story
The 911 system was established in 1968 by AT&T as the universal emergency number in the US and Canada, replacing various local numbers. It was chosen for being easy to remember and not used as an area code or service code.
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