PHONOGRAPH RECORDS Meaning and
Definition
-
Phonograph records, often referred to as records or vinyl records, are physical audio storage mediums that were widely used for music playback before the advent of digital formats. They consist of flat circular discs made of vinyl or shellac, measuring typically around 12 inches in diameter, with spiral grooves etched into their surface.
The grooves on a phonograph record contain the encoded analog audio signal. When the record is played on a phonograph or turntable, a stylus or needle is placed onto the rotating disc, following these grooves and tracing the recorded audio waveform. The stylus transforms the physical vibrations from the grooves into electrical signals, which are then amplified and sent to a speaker or headphones, allowing listeners to hear the recorded sound.
Phonograph records were the primary method of mass music distribution and consumption from the early 20th century until the rise of digital audio formats in the late 20th century. They offered a physical and tactile experience, allowing listeners to interact with the music by physically placing the record onto a turntable and manually starting, stopping, and skipping tracks.
Although records are less commonly used today, they still possess a nostalgic charm and are cherished by audiophiles and collectors. They are valued for their superior sound quality, warm analog audio reproduction, and unique album cover artwork. The resurgence of vinyl records in recent years has seen a renewed interest in their production and consumption, keeping the tradition and legacy of phonograph records alive in the modern music landscape.
Etymology of PHONOGRAPH RECORDS
The word "phonograph records" is composed of two main terms: "phonograph" and "records".
The term "phonograph" combines the Greek words "phōnē" meaning "sound" and "graphein" meaning "to write". It was coined by Thomas Edison in 1877 to name his invention that reproduced sound recordings.
The word "records" refers to the physical discs or plates used for storing sound recordings. It originates from the Latin term "recordārī" which means "to remember" or "to recall". In this context, the term implies the preservation of sound for future listening or referencing purposes.
Therefore, "phonograph records" refers to the physical medium used to store sound recordings created by Edison's invention, the phonograph.
