polygraph

[pol-i-graf, -grahf]

noun

1. an instrument for receiving and recording simultaneously tracings of variations in certain body activities.

2. a test using such an instrument to determine if a person is telling the truth.

3. lie detector.

4. an apparatus for producing copies of a drawing or writing.

5. a prolific or versatile author.

verb (used with object)

1. to test (a person) with a polygraph.

polygraph

/ -ˌɡræf, ˌpɒlɪˈɡræfɪk, ˈpɒlɪˌɡrɑːf /

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

Other Word Forms

• polygraphic adjective
• polygraphist noun
• polygrapher noun
• polygraphically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of polygraph¹

1795–1805 polygraph for def. 1; 1920–25 polygraph for def. 3; < Greek polýgraphos writing much. See poly-, -graph

Word History and Origins

Origin of polygraph¹

C18: from Greek polugraphos writing copiously

Example Sentences

In a routine polygraph examination as part of a sought promotion, one of her subordinates said Gen. Tomer-Yerushalmi had directed her spokesperson to leak the film and that other senior staff officers knew this.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

When ProPublica sought comment from the FBI, the agency denied that Bongino or the other senior staff members failed polygraph tests.

Read more on Salon

He routinely demands that top employees take polygraphs if he suspects they are leaking to the press.

Read more on Salon

That same month, Hegseth’s team began subjecting officials to random polygraph tests, a practice that was temporarily halted after the White House intervened, according to the Washington Post.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

After authorities said that the couple had stopped cooperating with the investigation, Hughes said that was not the case and instead, the child’s mother had just refused to take a polygraph test.

Read more on Los Angeles Times