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.

cinefluorography
The making of a motion picture record of successive images appearing on a fluoroscopic screen.
cinematograph
1. A machine, combining magic lantern and kinetoscope features, for projecting on a screen a series of pictures, moved rapidly and intermittently before an objective lens, and producing by persistence of vision the illusion of continuous motion.
2. A moving-picture machine; also, any of several other machines or devices producing moving pictorial effects.
cinematographer
Someone responsible for the lighting and camera work for a motion picture and the general look of the motion picture.
cinematographic
Pertaining, or referring, to cinematography (the discipline of making lighting and camera choices when recording photographic images for the cinema).
cinematography
1. The art or technique of movie photography, including both the shooting and development of the film.
2. The art or technique of motion-picture photography.
cinemicrograph
A motion picture filmed through a microscope.
cinemicrography
The making of a cine-film of an object, process, etc., seen with the aid of a microscope.
cinephotomicrograhy
The making of a motion picture of microscopic objects; time lapse photography is often used.
cineradiograhy
Radiography of an organ in motion; such as, the heart, the gastrointestinal tract, etc.
cineroentgenography
Motion picture study of successive images appearing on a fluoroscopic screen.
cineseismography, kineseismography
1. A technique for measuring movements of the body by continuous photographic recording of shaking or vibration.
2. A photographic system for recording and measuring abnormal involuntary movements; its great advantage is that it obviates the need to attach any devices to the subject.
climograph
A diagram showing the effect of climate on health.
clinograph
1. In mining, construction, etc.; an instrument that records the deviation of boreholes or the like from the vertical.
2. A pair of straightedges hinged together so as to be adjustable to any angle.
clonograph
An instrument for registering, or recording, the movements in clonic spasm.
computerized tomography (noun), CT, CAT scan (s), computerized tomographies (pl)
1. An x-ray procedure that uses the help of a computer to produce a detailed picture of a cross section of tissue of the body.
2. A computerized axial tomography scan which is an x-ray procedure that combines many x-ray images with the aid of a computer to generate cross-sectional views and, if needed, three-dimensional images of the internal organs and structures of the body.

Computerized axial tomography is more commonly known by its abbreviated names, CT scan or CAT scan. A CT scan is used to define normal and abnormal structures in the body and/or to assist in procedures by helping to accurately guide the placement of instruments or treatments.

The procedure was used first in 1972 to study the brain and is a painless and noninvasive procedure that does not require any special preparation. It is considered to be 100 times more sensitive than conventional radiography or X-rays.

As well as being essential for the study of the brain, CT scanning is considered to be invaluable in investigating diseases of any part of the body. It is particularly useful for locating and imaging tumors, and for guiding the operator who is performing a needle biopsy.

—Information in this section is based primarily on information from
The American Medical Association, Home Medical Encyclopedia;
Medical Editor, Charles B. Clayman, MD; The Reader's Digest Association, Inc.;
New York; page 323; 1989.
and
Webster's New World Medical Dictionary, 3rd edition; Wiley Publishing, Inc.;
Hoboken, New Jersey; page 72; 2008.

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