sphygmomanometer

noun

sphyg·​mo·​ma·​nom·​e·​ter ˌsfig-mō-mə-ˈnä-mə-tər How to pronounce sphygmomanometer (audio)
: an instrument for measuring blood pressure and especially arterial blood pressure
sphygmomanometry
ˌsfig-mō-mə-ˈnä-mə-trē How to pronounce sphygmomanometer (audio)
noun

Word History

Etymology

Greek sphygmos pulse (from sphyzein to throb) + International Scientific Vocabulary manometer

First Known Use

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sphygmomanometer was circa 1889

Rhymes for sphygmomanometer

See All Rhymes for sphygmomanometer

Browse Nearby Words

sphygmograph
sphygmomanometer
sphynx
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sphygmomanometer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sphygmomanometer. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

sphygmomanometer

noun
sphyg·​mo·​ma·​nom·​e·​ter ˌsfig-mō-mə-ˈnäm-ət-ər How to pronounce sphygmomanometer (audio)
: an instrument for measuring blood pressure

Medical Definition

sphygmomanometer

noun
sphyg·​mo·​ma·​nom·​e·​ter ˌsfig-mō-mə-ˈnäm-ət-ər How to pronounce sphygmomanometer (audio)
: an instrument for measuring blood pressure and especially arterial blood pressure

More from Merriam-Webster on sphygmomanometer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sphygmomanometer

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