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polygraph
(pɒligrɑːf, -græf)
Word forms: plural polygraphs
countable noun
A polygraph or a polygraph test is a test which is used by the police to try to find out whether someone is telling the truth.
Hill's lawyers announced she had taken and passed a polygraph test.
polygraph in British English
(ˈpɒlɪˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf)
noun
1.
an instrument for the simultaneous electrical or mechanical recording of several involuntary physiological activities, including blood pressure, skin resistivity, pulse rate, respiration, and sweating, used esp as a would-be lie detector
2.
a device for producing copies of written, printed, or drawn matter
Derived forms
polygraphic (ˌpɒlɪˈɡræfɪk) adjective
polygraphically (ˌpolyˈgraphically)
adverb
Word origin
C18: from Greek polugraphos writing copiouslypolygraph in American English
(ˈpɑlɪˌgræf)
noun
1.
an early device for reproducing writings or drawings
2.
an instrument for recording simultaneously changes in blood pressure, respiration,pulse rate, etc.
see also lie detector Derived forms
polygraphic (ˌpolyˈgraphic) adjective
Word origin
Gr polygraphos, writing much: see poly- & -graphImage ofpolygraph
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