polygraph

English

Etymology

poly- + -graph

Pronunciation

  • Rhymes: -ɑːf

Noun

polygraph (plural polygraphs)

chart recorder often used with a
polygraph
  1. A device which measures and records several physiological variables such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiration and skin conductivity while a series of questions is being asked to a subject, in an attempt to detect lies.
  2. (dated) A mechanical instrument for multiplying copies of a writing, resembling multiple pantographs.
  3. (archaic) A collection of different works, either by one or several authors.
  4. (linguistics) A group of letters that represent a single phoneme

Synonyms

  • (device recording physiological measurements): lie detector
  • (dated instrument for copying): manifold writer, autopen
Thomas Jefferson's polygraph copying device

Translations

See also

Verb

polygraph (third-person singular simple present polygraphs, present participle polygraphing, simple past and past participle polygraphed)

  1. (transitive) To administer a polygraph test to.
    The FBI polygraphed the suspect but learned nothing because they already knew he was lying.
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