sphygmograph

noun

sphyg·​mo·​graph ˈsfig-mə-ˌgraf How to pronounce sphygmograph (audio)
: 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

Rhymes for sphygmograph

See All Rhymes for sphygmograph

Browse Nearby Words

sphygmochronograph
sphygmograph
sphygmomanometer
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Cite this Entry

“Sphygmograph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sphygmograph. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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Medical Definition

sphygmograph

noun
sphyg·​mo·​graph ˈsfig-mə-ˌgraf How to pronounce sphygmograph (audio)
: an instrument that records graphically the movements or character of the pulse
sphygmographic
ˌsfig-mə-ˈgraf-ik How to pronounce sphygmograph (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on sphygmograph

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sphygmograph

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