electronic mail - (computer science) a system of world-wide electronic communication in which a computer user can compose a message at one terminal that is generated at the recipient's terminal when he logs incomputer science, computing - the branch of engineering science that studies (with the aid of computers) computable processes and structures freemail - a service providing free email delivery in exchange for exposure to advertising junk e-mail, spam - unwanted e-mail (usually of a commercial nature sent out in bulk) snail mail - any mail that is physically delivered by the postal service; "email is much faster than snail mail" |