noun

electrocardiogram

uh-lek-truh-KAR-dee-uh-gram

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Electrocardiogram (noun) means a cardiology recording of the heart's electrical activity, produced by an electrocardiograph. Example: “The doctor asked for an electrocardiogram to check the patient's heart rhythm.”

noun

A cardiology recording of the heart's electrical activity, produced by an electrocardiograph.

"The doctor asked for an electrocardiogram to check the patient's heart rhythm."

"An electrocardiogram can show whether a heart attack has damaged the heart muscle."

"The nurse attached electrodes to his chest before taking the electrocardiogram."

How to use electrocardiogram

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA printout that shows the electrical signals of your heartbeat.

When to use it

It is a formal, clinical term; ECG or EKG is used far more often in everyday speech.

Memory tip

The long word breaks down neatly into electro- (electrical), cardio- (heart) and -gram (a written record), which makes it easier to remember.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

take an electrocardiogram read an electrocardiogram an electrocardiogram machine abnormal electrocardiogram

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The doctor asked for an _____ to check the patient's heart rhythm.

Etymology

Electrocardiogram is built from electro-, cardio- and -gram, following the pattern of the German word Elektrokardiogramm. The word describes a written or printed record of the heart's electrical signals.

Origin: German

Rhymes for electrocardiogram

program ideogram kilogram hologram monogram sonogram mammogram angiogram reprogram parallelogram

See all rhymes for electrocardiogram →

Frequently asked questions

What is an electrocardiogram?

It is a recording of the heart's electrical activity, produced by a machine called an electrocardiograph.

What is the difference between an electrocardiogram and an ECG?

There is no difference in meaning; ECG (and EKG) are simply abbreviations for electrocardiogram.

Why would a doctor order an electrocardiogram?

To check the heart's rhythm and electrical activity, for example when investigating chest pain or an irregular heartbeat.

What is the meaning of electrocardiogram?

"electrocardiogram" (noun) means a cardiology recording of the heart's electrical activity, produced by an electrocardiograph.