graph

¹

[ graf ]

noun

1. a diagram representing a system of connections or interrelations among two or more things by a number of distinctive dots, lines, bars, etc.
2. Mathematics.
   1. a series of points, discrete or continuous, forming a curve or surface, each of which represents a value of a given function.
   2. Also called linear graph [lin, -ee-er , graf]. a network of lines connecting points.
3. a written symbol for an idea, a sound, or a linguistic expression.
4. Computers. a non-hierarchical data structure whose nodes store data elements and whose branches represent connections to other nodes in the structure.

verb (used with object)

1. Mathematics. to draw (a curve) as representing a given function.
2. to represent by means of a graph.

graph-

²

1. variant of grapho- before a vowel:

   grapheme.

-graph

³

1. a combining form meaning “drawn,” “written” ( lithograph; monograph ); specialized in meaning to indicate the instrument rather than the written product of the instrument ( telegraph; phonograph ).

graph

¹

/ ɡrɑːf; ɡræf /

noun

1. Also calledchart a drawing depicting the relation between certain sets of numbers or quantities by means of a series of dots, lines, etc, plotted with reference to a set of axes See also bar graph
2. maths a drawing depicting a functional relation between two or three variables by means of a curve or surface containing only those points whose coordinates satisfy the relation
3. maths a structure represented by a diagram consisting of points (vertices) joined by lines (edges)
4. linguistics a symbol in a writing system not further subdivisible into other such symbols

verb

1. tr to draw or represent in a graph

-graph

²

combining form

1. an instrument that writes or records

   telegraph

2. a writing, record, or drawing

   lithograph

   autograph

graph

/ grăf /

1. A diagram showing the relationship of quantities, especially such a diagram in which lines, bars, or proportional areas represent how one quantity depends on or changes with another.
2. A curve or line showing a mathematical function or equation, typically drawn in a Cartesian coordinate system. The graph of the function y = x ² is a parabola.

Derived Forms

• -graphically, combining_form:in_adverb
• -graphic, combining_form:in_adjective

Other Words From

• re·graph verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of graph¹

First recorded in 1875–80; short for graphic formula; graphic

Origin of graph²

< Greek -graphos (something) drawn or written, one who draws or writes. See grapho-

Word History and Origins

Origin of graph¹

C19: short for graphic formula

Origin of graph²

via Latin from Greek -graphos, from graphein to write

Synonym Study

See map.

Example Sentences

Stewart then switched out his graph for another one, its Y-axis now labeled "Huh?"

From Salon

A key part of their explanation comes from the “swoosh” graph below, which Smith and de Mesquita present in the 2022 edition of "The Dictator’s Handbook."

From Salon

But economics is a feeling in US elections, not a graph on a page, and Shana has made up her mind.

From BBC

For the next part of the debate I have a graph showing house building in England since 1946…

From BBC

You can see from the graph above that there was a dramatic collapse in economic growth in the US during the Covid pandemic.

From BBC

Related Words

• chart