from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Ticker \Tick"er\ (t[i^]k"[~e]r), n. [See {Tick}.]
1. One who, or that which, ticks, or produces a ticking
sound, as a watch or clock, a telegraphic sounder, etc.
[1913 Webster]
2. A telegraphic receiving instrument that automatically
prints off stock quotations ({stock ticker}), market
report, or other news on a paper ribbon or "tape."
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]
3. an electronic instrument receiving information by
transmision from a remote source and displaying it in
readable fashion, not necessarily on paper tape (e.g. on a
video display terminal or moving ribbon of electronically
controlled lights).
[PJC]
4. The heart. [Colloq.]
[PJC]
{Ticker tape} Tape from or designed to be used in a stock
ticker, usu. of paper and being narrow but long.
{Stock ticker}, an electro-mechanical information receiving
device connected by telegraphic wire to a stock exchange,
and which prints out the latest transactions or news on
stock exchanges, commonly found in the offices of stock
brokers. By 1980 such devices were largely superseded by
electronic stock quotation devices.
[1913 Webster +PJC]