"Tricorders" is a uniquely-spelt word due to its origins in popular culture. The word was first introduced in the sci-fi television series "Star Trek" and refers to a handheld device that can scan and gather information. Its phonetic transcription in IPA is [traɪˌkɔrdərz]. The "tri" at the beginning of the word corresponds to the phoneme /traɪ/ which represents three sounds 't', 'r', and 'ai'. The suffix "-corders" is pronounced as /ˌkɔrdərz/, which implies that the word is plural.
Tricorders refer to fictional handheld devices commonly depicted in science fiction, particularly in the Star Trek series. These multifunctional gadgets are portrayed as highly advanced and compact instruments capable of performing a plethora of tasks, beyond the traditional capabilities of contemporary devices like smartphones or tablets. The specific functionalities of tricorders can vary across different appearances in the Star Trek franchise, but they typically include sensing and analysis capabilities that enable users to gather and interpret various types of data.
Tricorders possess sensors capable of detecting and analyzing physical, biological, and environmental attributes such as temperature, atmospheric composition, chemical composition, proximity of objects or life forms, and more. This data is then presented in a user-friendly format on a built-in display. Additionally, tricorders often feature communication abilities, allowing users to send or receive messages, access databases, or even remotely control other technologies.
The concept of tricorders, although currently limited to popular science fiction, has inspired real-world technological advancements and innovations. Several organizations and researchers have proposed and developed prototypes of devices aimed at replicating some of the functionalities depicted in tricorders. These real-world variations, often referred to as tricorder-like devices, typically focus on facilitating medical diagnostics, environmental analysis, or general data collection. Although the fictional portrayal of tricorders may remain beyond our current technological capabilities, their influence can be observed in the ongoing quest for innovative handheld devices that prioritize versatility, data analysis, and remote communication.
The word "tricorders" is a combination of two elements: "tri-" and "corder".
The prefix "tri-" comes from the Latin word "trēs", meaning "three". In English, it is commonly used to indicate something related to, consisting of, or involving three.
The second part, "corder", is derived from "recorder". In the context of the word "tricorder", "corder" refers to a recording device. It can be traced back to the Latin word "recordārī" meaning "to remember".
The term "tricorder" was coined by the creators of the science fiction television series, Star Trek. Tricorders were portable devices used by characters in the show to perform various tasks, including scanning, analyzing, and recording data.