The spelling of the word "phonograph record" is derived from its pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is written as /ˈfoʊnəgræf ˈrɛkərd/. The first syllable is pronounced with a long "o" sound followed by a schwa sound. The following syllable has a hard "g" sound and ends with an "a" sound. The second word is pronounced with stress on the first syllable, with a short "e" sound and a hard "k" sound. The final syllable is pronounced with stress on the first syllable, with a short "o" sound and a soft "r" sound.
A phonograph record, commonly referred to as a vinyl record or simply a record, is a flat disc made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or any other similar material that contains recorded sounds or music. It is an analog audio storage medium that plays music through a turntable or record player.
Phonograph records consist of grooves that are etched or pressed onto the surface, which correspond to the audio signals. The grooves are spiral-shaped and vary in width and depth, representing the sound waves of the recorded music. A stylus or needle is used to trace these grooves, converting the vibrations into electrical signals. These signals are then amplified and sent to speakers, producing the sound.
The term "phonograph record" originated from its earlier counterpart, the phonograph, which was one of the earliest devices for recording and playing back sound. Although vinyl records were most popular from the mid-20th century until the advent of digital media, they continue to be appreciated by audiophiles and collectors for their warmth and unique sound quality.
Phonograph records come in various sizes and formats, including 12-inch LPs (Long-Playing records), 7-inch singles, and 10-inch EPs (Extended Plays). They can also be categorized by their rotational speed, commonly 33 revolutions per minute (RPM) for LPs and 45 RPM for singles. This enduring format has played a significant role in the history of music, serving as a vehicle for artists to distribute and share their music with audiences across generations.
The word "phonograph" comes from two Greek words: "phono" meaning "sound" and "graph" meaning "to write". It refers to a device invented by Thomas Edison in 1877 that could reproduce recorded sound.
The word "record" comes from the Latin word "recordari" which means "to remember" or "to recall". In the context of phonograph records, it refers to the act of preserving sound by reproducing it onto a medium that can be played back later.
So, "phonograph record" essentially means a device that writes and stores sound for later recall or playback.