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

Derived Forms

• ˌpolyˈgraphically, adverb
• polygraphic, adjective

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of polygraph¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of polygraph¹

C18: from Greek polugraphos writing copiously

Example Sentences

One passed a polygraph; the other showed inconclusive results.

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

The inquest was told failing one question meant failing all of them, according to the administrator of Mr Dymond's polygraph test.

From BBC