phonograph

[Pref. phono-, and Gr grapho =to write.] 1. A character used in phonography; a type or character used for expre ing a sound. 2. An instrument for recording and reproducing sounds, invented by Mr. T. A. Edison. It consists of a cylinder of bra , mounted axially upon a steel screw, the pitch of which corresponds with that of a spiral groove on the outside of the cylinder. Attached to the baseboard by a movable arm is a mouthpiece with a diaphragm, from the center of the under surface of which projects a steel point. To use the instrument, the cylinder is covered with tinfoil or wax, paraffine, or other inelastic, easily indented substance, and the arm so adjusted that when the axle is revolved, the whole of the groove on the cylinder will pa in succe ion under the point. On speaking into the mouthpiece, at the same time turning the cylinder, every vibration of the diaphragm causes the point to make a corresponding mark upon the tinfoil. The arm being temporarily turned back, the cylinder can now be set back to its original position, and on turning it with the mouthpiece in position as at first, the stylus, traveling over the indentations in the type laden tinfoil, causes the diaphragm to vibrate as before, thus producing the original sounds. phō-nog-ra-pher, s. [Eng. phonograph ( y ); -er.] One who is versed or skilled in phonography. 1. phô-nô-grăphic, phō-no-graph-Ic-al, adj . [Eng. phonograph (3 ic , -ical .] Of or relating to phonography. 2. Pertaining or relating to the phonograph. phô - nổ - grăph-ic-al-ly, adv. [Eng. phono graphical; -ly.] 1. In a phonographic manner; according to pho nography. 2. By means of a phonograph.