seismograph

UK: ˈsaɪzməɡrɑːf | US: ˈsaɪzməɡræf

Definition

  1. n. an instrument that measures and records details of earthquakes, such as force and duration

Structure
seismo <earthquake, from Greek *seismos*>graph <write/record, from Greek *graphos*>
Etymology

The word "seismograph" combines two Greek morphemes:

  1. Seismo- derives from seismos (σεισμός), meaning "earthquake" or "shaking," reflecting the instrument's purpose of detecting seismic activity.
  2. -graph comes from graphos (γράφος), meaning "to write" or "record," indicating the device's function of documenting seismic waves.
    The term emerged in the mid-19th century as scientific advancements enabled precise earthquake monitoring, blending Greek roots to describe a tool that "writes earthquakes."
Examples

  1. The seismograph detected tremors from a distant earthquake.

  2. Modern seismographs can record even minor ground movements.

  3. Scientists analyzed the seismograph data to pinpoint the epicenter.

  4. Early seismographs used pendulums to measure seismic waves.

  5. The laboratory houses a collection of historical seismographs.