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polygraph (n.)
1794, "mechanical device for making multiple copies of something written or drawn," from Greek polygraphos "writing much," from polys "much, many" (from PIE root *pele- (1) "to fill") + graphos "writing," from graphein "to write" (see -graphy). Meaning "instrument for recording several pulsations of the body at the same time" (devised by Chauveau and Marey) is in English by 1871; the machine was first used as a lie detector 1921. Related: Polygraphy (1590s as a system of secret writing; 1660s as "voluminous writing"); polygraphic (1771).
also from 1794
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Trends of polygraph
updated on August 19, 2020
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AdvertisementDictionary entries near polygraph
polygenic
polygenous
polygeny
polyglot
polygon
polygraph
polygyny
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polyhedron
polyhistor
polymath