What is “Rx” on a Fax Machine?

Last Update: August 9th, 2021

Definition

On a fax machine, ‘Rx’ is an abbreviation of “Received” or “Received transmission.”

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “Rx” as a “prescription.” The Oxford dictionaries define Rx as “a doctor’s prescription.” These definitions are the more popular use of “Rx.” These types of “Rx’s” have nothing to do with a fax machine.

Usage

In the context of fax, “Rx” is often used for reporting and logging. “Rx reports” refer to “received fax reports.”

Etymology (History of the term)

The format of the abbreviation is likely derived from “tx” (an abbreviation of ‘transmission’).

Other Uses

The most popular use of “Rx” is in medicine as an abbreviation for “prescription.” The “Rx” stands for “take,” literally an abbreviation of the Latin word “recipe” which means “take.” The symbol ℞ is often used in this context.

Wikipedia contains a list of other uses of the term “Rx.”