What is "speaking tube"

Speaking \Speak"ing\, a.

1. Uttering speech; used for conveying speech; as, man is a speaking animal; a speaking tube.

2. Seeming to be capable of speech; hence, lifelike; as, a speaking likeness.

   A speaking acquaintance, a slight acquaintance with a person, or one which merely permits the exchange of salutations and remarks on indifferent subjects.

   Speaking trumpet, an instrument somewhat resembling a trumpet, by which the sound of the human voice may be so intensified as to be conveyed to a great distance.

   Speaking tube, a tube for conveying speech, especially from one room to another at a distance.

   To be on speaking terms, to be slightly acquainted.

n. A tube for conveying speech, especially from one room to another at a distance.

n. a tube for conveying the sound of a voice from one room to another

A speaking tube or voicepipe is a device based on two cones connected by an air pipe through which speech can be transmitted over an extended distance. While its most common use was in intra- ship communications, the principle was also used in affluent homes and offices of the 19th century, as well as expensive automobiles, military aircraft, and even locomotives. For most purposes, the device was outmoded by the telephone and its widespread adoption. This device was also known as a " megaphone", but that use has since become superseded.