noun
telegram of condolence; condolence telegram
A formal telegram sent to express sympathy upon someone's death. In modern contexts, often replaced by other means of communication, but the term remains in use for formal or traditional settings.
葬儀に参列できないので、弔電を打った。
Since I couldn't attend the funeral, I sent a telegram of condolence.
Compound of 弔 (condolence, mourning) and 電 (telegram, electricity). The reading ちょうでん is the standard on'yomi combination.