Where does “phonograph” come from?
Phonograph comes from Ancient Greek φωνή (sound) and γράφω (to write), ultimately deriving from Proto-Indo-European roots bʰeh₂- (to speak) and ger- (to gather or turn).
phonograph (English): A device that captures sound waves onto an...
Definitions
- A device that captures sound waves onto an...
Ancestry of “phonograph”, step by step
phonograph traces back through two separate lines of ancestry.
via English phono
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English | phono | A phonograph |
| 2 | Ancient Greek | φωνή | sound; Usually of the human voice: voice, cry,... |
| 3 | Proto-Hellenic | pʰōnā́ | — |
| 4 | Proto-Indo-European | bʰoh₂-néh₂ | — |
| 5 | Proto-Indo-European | bʰeh₂- | to shine, glow light; to speak, say |
| 6 | Proto-Indo-European | bʰeh₂-s-ri- | — |
via English graph
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English | graph | A data chart intended to illustrate the... |
| 2 | Ancient Greek | γράφω | to scratch, cut into; to draw, sketch, paint; to... |
| 3 | Proto-Hellenic | grəpʰō | to scratch, cut or carve into |
| 4 | Proto-Indo-European | gerbʰ- | to carve |
| 5 | Proto-Indo-European | ger- | to turn, bend, twist, wind; to tie, bind... |