grapho-, graph-, -graph, -graphy, -grapher, -graphia

(Greek: to scratch; to write, to record, to draw, to describe; that which is written or described)

As indicated at the bottom of this page, there is a significantly large number of graphic word-entry groups in this unit. Such an extensive listing is provided to show how important the grapho- element is to the English language.

abdominal aortography (s) (noun), abdominal aortographies (pl)
A radiographic (x-ray or gamma ray) study of the abdominal aorta after the introduction of a contrast medium through a catheter in the femoral artery: After Janet's doctor diagnosed her, she went to hospital to be examined and have an abdominal aortography performed.
accelerograph (s) (noun) accelerographs (pl)
1. An apparatus for recording the succession of pressures developed in a power-chamber by the combustion of a charge.
2. Instruments that show, and record, the speed of tremors occurring in an earthquake.
acoustic agraphia (s) (noun), acoustic agraphias (pl)
The inability to write from dictation or from what is heard: Dr. Davis is a specialist in treating acoustic agraphias with which several of his patients are afflicted.
acrography (s) (noun), acrographies (pl)
The art of making blocks in relief: Acrography, a substitute for engravings on wood, is a process of making chalk tracery in relief on metal or stone to obtain from it an electrotype or stereotype.
actinograph (s) (noun), actinographs (pl)
An instrument for recording the variations in the power of the solar rays: The actinograph was invented by Sir J. Herschel in 1838.

An actinograph is one of the various devices used for recording the actinic power of light and for determining the correct time of exposure for photographic plates.

The seldom used terms "radiograph" and "radiography" mean that images are produced on film or on another sensitive surface by radiation, such as X-rays or gamma rays passing through an object.

actinography (s) (noun), actinographies (pl)
The calculation of suitable exposure times in photography through the use of a recording actinometer or an instrument that is used to measure the heating power of radiation.

Actinometers are used in meteorology to measure solar radiation as pyranometers, pyrheliometers and net radiometers.

An actinometer is a chemical system or physical device which determines the number of photons in a beam per unit time.

actograph (s) (noun), actographs (pl)
A recording instrument for indicating the movements of a person sleeping: When Jane complained about not sleeping well, her doctor suggested that an actograph could be used in order to find out more about her ailment.
adenography (s) (noun) (no pl)
The science of medicine dealing with the glands: June was interested in the human body and decided to go deeper into the field of adenography and read all the written descriptions of the glandular systems. She also informed herself of the roentgenography of glands.
adoxographic (adjective), more adoxographic, most adoxographic
A form of writing in praise of some trivial or basic subjects: Elizabethan schoolboys were taught adoxographic writing, which was an art of praising worthless things.

Many adoxographic terms are considered to be particularly useful for lawyers.

adoxography (s) (noun), adoxographies (pl)
A reference to trashy writing without doxa, or glory; that is, writing that would bring no fame or honor to its creator.
aerocystography (s) (noun), aerocystographies (pl)
Roentgenography of the bladder after it has been injected with air; pneumocystography: An aerocystograpy is an X-ray of the bladder following an injection of air into it.
aerograph (s) (noun), aerographs (pl)
Any automatic recording instrument for atmospheric measurement that is carried in the air by an aircraft: An aerograph is a self-recording device used in high altitudes to obtain meteorological data.
aerographer (s) (noun), aerographers (pl)
One who writes reports about atmospheric conditions: Tom's mother was an aerographer, a specialist in atmospheric conditions, and was involved in the weather charts.
aerographic (adjective), more aerographic, most aerographic
A reference to a description of the atmosphere: Part of Jim's job was to write aerographic reports on the current weather conditions and forecasts for future climate changes.
aerographical (adjective), not comparable
A reference to the production of weather charts.

Related "writing" word units: glypto-; gram-; scrib-, script-.