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View synonyms for polygraph

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. an apparatus for producing copies of a drawing or writing.
  4. 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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˌpolyˈgraphically, adverb
  • polygraphic, adjective
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Other Words From

  • pol·y·graph·ic [pol-i-, graf, -ik], adjective
  • po·lyg·ra·phist [p, uh, -, lig, -r, uh, -fist], po·lygra·pher noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of polygraph1

1795–1805 polygraph fordef 1; 1920–25 polygraph fordef 3; < Greek polýgraphos writing much. See poly-, -graph
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Word History and Origins

Origin of polygraph1

C18: from Greek polugraphos writing copiously
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Example Sentences

The polygraph report could have been easily overlooked.

One passed a polygraph; the other showed inconclusive results.

Employees in the DEA’s polygraph unit, which vets prospective agents, reported being pressured to pass candidates after they failed a lie detector test, report says.

The plea deal requires him to submit to polygraph tests during those debriefings, according to the Associated Press news agency.

From BBC

Executive producer Tom McLennan admitted to the committee that the polygraphs used were "not 100% accurate", and that he did not know how reliable they were.

From BBC

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