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Glite Dictionary
tonograph

tonograph

9.9
A machine that measures pressure inside the eye
  • noun
  • /ˈtoʊnəˌgræf/
  • Specialized
translation icon : tonógrafo
  • The ophthalmologist used a tonograph to assess the patient's eye pressure.

Examples

  • Advancements in technology have made the modern tonograph more precise and easier to use.

  • A technician demonstrated how to calibrate the tonograph before the start of the clinic.

  • The tonograph is ready.

  • Look at this tonograph!

  • The ophthalmologist used a tonograph to assess the patient's eye pressure.

  • Advancements in technology have made the modern tonograph more precise and easier to use.

  • A technician demonstrated how to calibrate the tonograph before the start of the clinic.

Synonyms

tonometer
vstonograph
  • Specialized
8.6

A device that measures the pressure inside the eye

records pressure values creating a permanent trace of intraocular measurements
cymograph
vstonograph
  • Archaic
9.9

An instrument that records breathing or pulse with a pen on a rotating paper drum

focuses specifically on pressure readings especially inside the eye rather than general signals

Surface Forms

tonograph singular
tonographs plural

Morphology

tonograph = tono + graph

This is a specialized technical term built from classical combining forms, and an average B1 learner would not reliably infer the medical meaning from 'tono' and '-graph'.

Etymology

The word tonograph comes from the Greek root ton- meaning 'tension' or 'stretch' and the ending -graph meaning 'to write' or 'record', as in photograph. So a tonograph is a tool that 'records' pressure or tension, which is why doctors use it to measure eye pressure.