sphygmograph

noun

sphyg·mo·graph ˈsfig-mə-ˌgraf

: an instrument that records graphically the movements or character of the pulse

Word History

Etymology

Greek sphygmos pulse + International Scientific Vocabulary -graph

First Known Use

circa 1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of sphygmograph was circa 1859

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Sphygmograph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sphygmograph. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.

Copy Citation

Medical Definition

sphygmograph

noun

sphyg·mo·graph ˈsfig-mə-ˌgraf

: an instrument that records graphically the movements or character of the pulse

sphygmographic

ˌsfig-mə-ˈgraf-ik

adjective

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

spontaneous

Listen to the pronunciation of spontaneous

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What’s the difference between ‘cemetery’ and ‘graveyard’?

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

Skibidi, Mog & More: Gen Alpha Slang

13 Wonderful Words That You're Not Using (Yet)

Ten More Words from Taylor Swift Songs

Birds Say the Darndest Things

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Skibidi, Mog & More: Gen Alpha Slang

13 Wonderful Words That You're Not Using (Yet)