How Do You Spell POLYGRAPH?

Pronunciation: [pˈɒlɪɡɹˌaf] (IPA)

The word "polygraph" is spelled with the letters p-o-l-y-g-r-a-p-h. In phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /ˈpɒl.i.ɡræf/, with emphasis on the first syllable. The first syllable 'pol' is pronounced with a short 'o' sound, while the second syllable 'y' is pronounced with a long 'i' sound. The final syllable 'graph' is pronounced with a short 'a' sound, followed by the voiced consonant 'f'. The word "polygraph" refers to a machine used for detecting deception or truthfulness based on physiological responses.

POLYGRAPH Meaning and Definition

1. A polygraph is a scientific instrument used to detect and measure physiological responses in an individual during questioning or examination, with the aim of determining whether the person is telling the truth or not. It is more commonly known as a "lie detector".

   The polygraph works by recording and analyzing various physiological changes that occur in the body during the test. This includes monitoring changes in blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, and skin conductivity. These physiological responses are believed to be indicative of the individual's psychological state and can potentially reveal signs of stress or deception.

   During a polygraph examination, the subject is typically asked a series of questions while connected to the instrument via sensors placed on different parts of the body. The machine records and displays the physiological responses in real-time, allowing an examiner, usually a trained professional, to analyze the results.

   Although the polygraph has been used extensively in criminal investigations and certain workplace settings, its accuracy and reliability are the subjects of ongoing debate. Critics argue that the polygraph is not foolproof and that the results can be influenced by factors such as anxiety or the skill of the examiner. Nevertheless, it remains a widely recognized tool in certain jurisdictions and industries for gathering information and evaluating truthfulness.

2. An instrument by means of which simultaneous tracings can be taken of several different pulsations, as the radial and the jugular pulses, the liver pulsation, the apex beat of the heart, etc.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. An instrument for producing several copies by one act of writing; a collection of the works of one or several authors.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for POLYGRAPH *

• ploygraph 50%
• polygraphy 50%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for POLYGRAPH

• polygrapgh
• potograph
• poloygraph
• pollygraphy
• podograph
• copygraoh
• Polygrama
• Palygraphy
• polynagraph
• Podagroaph
• Podograyph
• Podagraph
• Polygraf
• Polygraff
• Polyoramah

Etymology of POLYGRAPH

The word "polygraph" has a Greek origin. It comes from the combination of two Greek roots: "poly" which means "many" and "graph" which means "writing" or "recording". Therefore, "polygraph" literally means "many writings" or "many recordings". The term was coined in the early 19th century and originally referred to a device that simultaneously recorded multiple physiological changes in the body, such as blood pressure, heart rate, breathing patterns, and perspiration, in order to detect deception. Today, "polygraph" generally refers to the instrument commonly known as a lie detector.

Plural form of POLYGRAPH is POLYGRAPHS