also tell-tale, "discloser of secrets," 1540s, from tell (v.) + tale. As an adjective from 1590s. Phrase tell a tale "relate a false or exaggerated story" is from late 13c.
a telltale patch of oil on the water marked where the boat went down
a telltale panel of lights
Telex
telic
tell
teller
telling
telltale
tellurian
telluric
telluride
tellurium
telly
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