recorder
UK: rɪˈkɔːdə | US: rɪˈkɔːrdər
n. a device for recording sound, images, or data
n. a person who records official documents or events
n. a musical instrument of the flute family
The word "recorder" originates from the Latin recordari ("to remember"), composed of re- (again) and cor (heart/mind). In medieval Latin, recordare meant "to recall," evolving into Old French recorder ("to repeat, report"). By the 14th century, English adopted it to denote officials who documented events (sense 2). The musical instrument (sense 3) gained the name in the 15th century due to its role in "reproducing" melodies, while the modern device (sense 1) emerged in the 19th century with technological advancements.
She used a recorder to capture the bird's song.
The court recorder transcribed every word of the trial.
He played a Renaissance tune on his wooden recorder.
The data recorder malfunctioned during the experiment.
Ancient civilizations relied on oral recorders to preserve history.