telltale

== English == === Alternative forms === tell-tale, tell tale === Etymology === From tell +‎ tale, perhaps dissimilated from earlier taleteller, from Middle English tale tellere (literally “tale teller”). === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ˈtɛlteɪl/ === Noun === telltale (plural telltales) One who divulges private information with intent to hurt others. Synonyms: blabbermouth, gossip, rumormonger, squealer, talebearer, tattletale; see also Thesaurus:gossiper An indicator, such as a warning light, that serves to warn of a hazard or problem. (figuratively) Something that serves to reveal something else. (music) A movable piece of ivory, lead, or other material, connected to the bellows of an organ, whose position indicates when the wind is exhausted. (nautical) A length of yarn or ribbon attached to a sail or shroud etc to indicate the direction of the flow of the air relative to the boat. (nautical) A mechanical attachment to the steering wheel, which, in the absence of a tiller, shows the position of the helm. (nautical) A compass in the cabin of a vessel, usually placed where the captain can see it at all hours, and thus inform himself of the vessel's course. (engineering) A machine or contrivance for indicating or recording something, particularly for keeping a check upon employees (factory hands, watchmen, drivers, etc.) by revealing to their employers what they have done or omitted. A bird, the tattler. A story or fable that has a moral or message. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Related terms ==== tell tales ==== Translations ==== === Adjective === telltale (comparative more telltale, superlative most telltale) Revealing something, especially something not intended to be known. ==== Derived terms ==== telltale compass ==== Translations ====