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.

electrospectrography
1. An automatic frequency analysis of the constituent wave forms of the electroencephalogram or a graphic record of the electrical activity of the brain as recorded by an electroencephalograph or an instrument for recording the electrical activity of the brain, usually by means of electrodes placed on the scalp; used to diagnose tumors of the brain, to study brain waves, etc.
2. The recording, study, and interpretation of electroencephalographic wave patterns or a technique for recording electrical activity in the brain, whose cells emit distinct patterns of rhythmic electrical impulses.
electrospinograph
A tool for detecting and recording electric signals of the spinal cord.
electrospinography
The process of recording and analyzing the spontaneous electrical activity of the spinal cord.
electrostatic electrophotography
That branch of electrostatograplhy (process of recording and reproducing visible patterns) that produces a visible record by employing a photoresponsive medium to form latent electrostatic images with the aid of electromagnetic radiation.
electrostatic printer, electrostatic plotter, electrostatic reprography
1. A process for printing or copying in which electrostatic charges are used to form the image in powder or ink directly on to the surface to be printed instead of with ink or pressure.

The best known process of electrostatic printing is known as xerography.

2. A procedure in which a positive electrostatic charge is given to a paper on which an image is projected.

A bright light reverses the charge of the non-image area so that the negatively charged powdered ink sticks firmly only to the positive image area.

Established by the Xerox Corporation, it is about the most common dry photocopying process in use today.

3. A plotter or computer output device that draws graphs and other pictorial images on paper which uses an electrostatic method of printing.

Liquid toner models use a positively charged toner that is attracted to paper which is negatively charged by passing by a line of electrodes (tiny wires or nibs).

Models print in black and white or color, and some handle paper up to six feet wide.

Newer electrostatic plotters are really large-format laser printers and focus light onto a charged drum using lasers or LEDs (light-emitting diodes) which is a semiconductor that emits light when a current passes through it.

electrostatography, electrostatic copying
1. A process in which an electrostatically charged printing plate is exposed so that the resulting positive image attracts a negatively charged resin.
2. The process of recording and reproducing visible patterns with the formation and utilization of inactive electrostatic charge patterns.
3. A generic term covering all processes involving the forming and use of electrostatic charged patterns for recording and reproducing images.

This field of recording and reproducing images is divided into electrophotography and electrography.

electrostethograph
1. An electrical instrument that amplifies or records the respiratory and cardiac sounds of the chest.
2. A very sensitive, electrically operated instrument used to record sounds of the heart.

This is an instrument which gives doctors a high-fidelity record of heart sounds so faint they can't be heard by human ears even with the aid of a physician's stethoscope.

electroureterography
Electromyography (recording and study of the intrinsic electrical properties of the skeletal muscle) in which the action potentials produced by peristalsis (rippling motions of muscles) of the ureter are recorded.
encephalography
Radiographic examination of the brain in which some of the cerebrospinal fluid is replaced with air or another gas that acts as a contrasting medium.
endocardiography
Electrocardiography with the exploring electrode within the chambers of the heart.
enigmatographer (s) (noun), enigmatographers (pl)
1. Someone who creates and writes riddles: As a professional enigmatographer, Fred compiled a book of word puzzles for children.
2. Written publications about unexplainable happenings or circumstances: Several enigmatographers presented some difficult issues about human life.
enteradenography (s) (noun), enteradenographies (pl)
A written description of the intestinal glands. For the seminar Tony was asked to read the enteradenograph he was given by his professor and to be able to give a report on the glands in the human intestine.
enterograph
An instrument designed for use in enterography or a description of the intestines.
enterography
A radiographic examination and description of the intestines.
entomography (s) (noun), entomographies (pl)
A written description of an insect or of its life history.

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