Etymology Explorer › English

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

  1. A device that captures sound waves onto an...

Ancestry of “phonograph”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishphonoA phonograph
2Ancient Greekφωνήsound; Usually of the human voice: voice, cry,...
3Proto-Hellenicpʰōnā́—
4Proto-Indo-Europeanbʰoh₂-néh₂—
5Proto-Indo-Europeanbʰeh₂-to shine, glow light; to speak, say
6Proto-Indo-Europeanbʰeh₂-s-ri-—

Words derived from “phonograph”

  • telephonograph
  • fonografico
  • radiofonografo
  • fonografo
  • фонограф
Every word from Proto-Indo-European bʰeh₂-s-ri- →