sphygmograph

noun

sphyg·mo·graph ˈsfig-mə-ˌgraf

: an instrument that records graphically the movements or character of the pulse

Word History

Etymology

Greek sphygmos pulse + International Scientific Vocabulary -graph

First Known Use

circa 1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of sphygmograph was circa 1859

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Sphygmograph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sphygmograph. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Copy Citation

Medical Definition

sphygmograph

noun

sphyg·mo·graph ˈsfig-mə-ˌgraf

: an instrument that records graphically the movements or character of the pulse

sphygmographic

ˌsfig-mə-ˈgraf-ik

adjective

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

'Canceled' or 'cancelled'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

More Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

'In Vino Veritas' and Other Latin Phrases to Live By

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

More Words with Remarkable Origins

Terroir, Oenophile, & Magnum: Ten Words About Wine

Popular Features

sphygmograph

noun

Word History

Browse Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

Medical Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on sphygmograph

More from Merriam-Webster

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

doff

Popular in Grammar & Usage