noun

tricorder

Tricorder (noun) means a fictional handheld scanning device from science fiction, used to analyze the environment or a patient's health. Example: “Doctor McCoy scanned the alien with his tricorder.”

noun

A fictional handheld scanning device from science fiction, used to analyze the environment or a patient's health.

"Doctor McCoy scanned the alien with his tricorder."

A real handheld medical scanning device inspired by the fictional gadget.

"Researchers are developing a tricorder that can diagnose illness from a smartphone-sized device."

How to use tricorder

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA sci-fi scanning gadget — now also a real term for compact multi-function medical scanners.

Word forms

tricorders plural

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Fill the gap

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Doctor McCoy scanned the alien with his _____.

Etymology

Coined for Star Trek, blending tri- (its three main scanning functions) with (re)corder.

Rhymes for tricorder

order border disorder recorder camcorder

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Frequently asked questions

What does “tricorder” mean?

The word “tricorder” means a fictional handheld scanning device from science fiction, used to analyze the environment or a patient's health. In plain terms, a sci-fi scanning gadget — now also a real term for compact multi-function medical scanners.

How do you use “tricorder” in a sentence?

Here is “tricorder” used in a sentence: “Doctor McCoy scanned the alien with his tricorder.”

What part of speech is “tricorder”?

“Tricorder” is a noun.

How many meanings does “tricorder” have?

“Tricorder” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a fictional handheld scanning device from science fiction, used to analyze the environment or a patient's health.