polygraph

[ pol-i-graf, -grahf ]
/ ˈpɒl ɪˌgræf, -ˌgrɑf /

noun

an instrument for receiving and recording simultaneously tracings of variations in certain body activities.
a test using such an instrument to determine if a person is telling the truth.
an apparatus for producing copies of a drawing or writing.
a prolific or versatile author.

verb (used with object)

to test (a person) with a polygraph.

Origin of polygraph

1795–1805 for def 1; 1920–25 for def 3; < Greek polýgraphos writing much. See poly-, -graph

OTHER WORDS FROM polygraph

pol·y·graph·ic [pol-i-graf-ik] /ˌpɒl ɪˈgræf ɪk/, adjective po·lyg·ra·phist [puh-lig-ruh-fist] /pəˈlɪg rə fɪst/, po·lyg·ra·pher, noun

Example sentences from the Web for polygraph

British Dictionary definitions for polygraph

polygraph
/ (ˈpɒlɪˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf) /

noun

an instrument for the simultaneous electrical or mechanical recording of several involuntary physiological activities, including blood pressure, skin resistivity, pulse rate, respiration, and sweating, used esp as a would-be lie detector
a device for producing copies of written, printed, or drawn matter

Derived forms of polygraph

polygraphic (ˌpɒlɪˈɡræfɪk), adjective polygraphically, adverb

Word Origin for polygraph

C18: from Greek polugraphos writing copiously

Medical definitions for polygraph

polygraph
[ pŏlē-grăf′ ]

n.

An instrument that simultaneously records changes in physiological processes such as heartbeat, blood pressure, and respiration.