Definition

A device used to create a visual record of the pulse's strength and changes over time.

Example

The doctor used a sphygmograph to monitor the patient's heart rate during the examination.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a sphygmograph?

No, I haven't. What is it?

It's a device that records the variations of your pulse.

That sounds interesting! How does it work?

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sphygmograph → It is formed from "sphygmos" (σφυγμός) (meaning pulse) and "graph" (from Greek "grapho", meaning to write). The word describes a device that writes or records the pulse.

Memory Tip

Think of a device that 'writes' ('graph') the 'pulse' ('sphygmos') — that's what a sphygmograph does.

Visually Confused Words