Airgraph

/ˈɛrɡræf/ noun

Definition

A lightweight postal letter or message designed to be photographed and transmitted by air, especially used during World War II.

Etymology

Compound of 'air' and 'graph' (from Greek 'graphia,' meaning writing). The airgraph was a British wartime innovation to reduce mail weight on planes.

Kelly Says

Soldiers in WWII could send tiny airgraph letters that were photographed and microfiche'd so 50 letters weighed almost nothing—a genius hack that saved plane space for ammunition.

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