Definition

1. Noun:
   • A medical instrument that detects and graphically records the minute differences in electric potential caused by heart activity and occurring between different parts of the body. It is used in the diagnosis of heart disease.

Usage

• The word electrocardiograph is a technical, medical term. It refers specifically to the machine or instrument itself.
• It is often abbreviated as ECG (especially in British English) or EKG (common in American English, from the German ).
• The record or tracing produced by this instrument is called an electrocardiogram.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The paramedic connected the patient to the portable electrocardiograph to monitor his heart rhythm.
  • The hospital purchased a new digital electrocardiograph for the cardiology department.
  • The technician is skilled at operating the electrocardiograph.

Advanced Usage

• "To be on/hooked up to an electrocardiograph": To be connected to the machine for monitoring.
  • The patient in the ICU was on a continuous electrocardiograph.
• The process of recording is called electrocardiography.

Variants and Related Words

• Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) (n): The graphical record or printout produced by an electrocardiograph.
  • The doctor examined the electrocardiogram for any signs of abnormality.
• Electrocardiography (n): The technique or process of recording the electrical activity of the heart.
  • He specialized in electrocardiography.
• Electrocardiographic (adj): Relating to an electrocardiograph or electrocardiogram.
  • The electrocardiographic data was sent for analysis.

Synonyms

• ECG machine (n): A common synonym, using the abbreviation.
• EKG machine (n): A common synonym, using the alternative abbreviation.
• Cardiograph (n): A less specific, older term for an instrument recording heart activity.

Word Parts and Etymology

• The word is a compound noun formed from:
  • electro- (prefix): relating to electricity.
  • cardio- (combining form): relating to the heart.
  • -graph (suffix): an instrument for recording or writing.
• Literally, it means "an instrument that writes/records the heart's electricity."

Noun

1. medical instrument that records electric currents associated with contractions of the heart