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.

electroaxonography, axonography
The recording of electrical changes in axons (an extension of a neuron cell body that transports information away from the cell body, usually by an electrical impulse).

A neuron or neurone is an excitable cell specialized for the transmission of electrical signals over long distances.

electrobasograph
1. An apparatus for measuring the weight bearing period of limbs during walking.
2. A device for recording a person's gait or manner of walking.
electrobasography
The graphic process by which an electrobasograph is made; used for gait or walking analysis.
electrocardiograph
1. An instrument for recording the potential of the electrical currents that traverse the heart and initiate its contraction.
2. A device used for recording the electrical activity of the myocardium (heart muscle) to detect transmissions of the cardiac impulses through the conductive tissues of the muscle.

Electrocardiography allows for the diagnosis of specific cardiac abnormalities.

3. An instrument for recording the waveforms of voltages developed in the chest and lower parts of the human body in synchronism with the action of the heart.
4. An instrument used for making electrocardiograms.

I contains a lead-switching network, a differential amplifier, and a strip-chart recorder to trace the electrocardiogram on paper output.

electrocardiographic
A reference to the science or technique of using an electrocadiograph or the instrument that detects and records the electrical impulses produced by the action of the heart with each beat and which is used to diagnose diseases of the heart.
electrocardiographic lead
1. An electrode placed o a part of the body and connected to an electrocardiograph.
2. A record, made by the electrocardiograph, which varies with the site of the electrode.
electrocardiographic technician
A health worker with special training and experience in operating and maintaining electrocardioraphic equipment and providing recorded data for diagnositic reviews by a physician.
electrocardiography, ECG, EKG (s) (noun), electrocardiographies, , ECGs, EKGs (pl)
1. A painless procedure in which the heart's electrical impulses are amplified for making a graphic recording (electrocardiogram) of the electrical impulses which pass through the heart to initiate and to control its activity: Electrocardiography is accomplished by placing metal plates called electrodes on body surfaces and they cause no discomforts.

These plates are attached to a recording instrument, and they pick up the electrical impulses of the heart during which small changes occur as the heart beats. The normal form of these beats is altered by heart disease.

2. The creation and study of graphic records produced by electric currents originating in the heart and the interpretation of electrocardiograms: Electrodes connected to a recording machine are applied to the chest, wrists, and ankles. 3. The specialty or science of recording and interpreting the electrical activity of the heart: An ECG, or EKG, can be taken at home, in the physician's office, or in the hospital where a 24-hour record can be obtained from a tape recorder worn by the patient.
electrocardiophonograph
A device for recording heart sounds.
electrocardiophonographic
A reference to a method of electrically recording the sounds of the heart.
electrocardiophonography
Phonocardiography (diagnostic method of graphic registration of heart sounds and murmurs) and electrocardiography (science of recording and interpreting the electrical activity that precedes and is a measure of the action of heart muscles) performed simultaneously.
electrochromatography
1. A type of chromatography that utilizes the application of an electric potential to produce an electric differential (the difference between two effects, motions, forces, etc.).
2. A chemical separation technique in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology which is used to resolve and to separate mostly large biomolecules; such as, proteins.

Electrochromatography is a combination of size exclusion chromatography (gel filtration chromatography) and gel electrophoresis.

The term "gel" in this instance refers to the matrix used to contain, then separate the target molecules.

electrocochleography
1. A measurement of the electrical potentials generated in the inner ear as a result of sound stimulation.
2. The measurement of electrical activity produced when the cochlea is stimulated.

A needle electrode is passed through the eardrum and placed on the cochlea, the part of the inner ear concerned with hearing. The electrical activity is then recorded.

3. A diagnostic test in which a probe is inserted into the cochlea in the inner ear to measure and to record electrical activity.

Certain kinds of distortions may indicate the presence of disease.

electrocorticographer
A specialist in the science or medical field who measures and records brain waves with electrodes which are positioned at the cerebral cortex.
electrocorticographic
A written recording of the measurement of brain waves through electrodes placed at the cerebral cortex.

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