1A (typically automated) response to a transmitted message confirming receipt of the message and identifying the device which has received it; a device or system which issues such a response.
2(A) A responsive action. (b) A rejoinder, a reply.
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in U.S. Patents. Partly from answer + back, and partly from answer + back.
Definition of answer-back in US English:
answer-back
noun
1A (typically automated) response to a transmitted message confirming receipt of the message and identifying the device which has received it; a device or system which issues such a response.
2(A) A responsive action. (b) A rejoinder, a reply.
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in U.S. Patents. Partly from answer + back, and partly from answer + back.