noun

tricorder

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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.

"PLEASE TURN OFF ALL CELL PHONES AND TRICORDERS" — Matt Groening, opening title screen from the start (1999)

"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.

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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”.

Word forms

Plural: tricorders

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

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.