polygraph

(päli graf′)

noun

  1. an early device for reproducing writings or drawings
  2. an instrument for recording simultaneously changes in blood pressure, respiration, pulse rate, etc.

Origin: Gr polygraphos, writing much: see poly- & -graph

Related Forms:

See polygraph in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
An instrument that simultaneously records changes in physiological processes such as heartbeat, blood pressure, and respiration, often used as a lie detector.
transitive verb pol·y·graphed, pol·y·graph·ing, pol·y·graphs
To test (a criminal suspect, for example) with a polygraph.

Related Forms:

  • po·lygˈra·pher (pə-lĭgˈrə-fər), po·lygˈra·phist (-fĭst) noun
  • polˌy·graphˈic adjective

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