noun
tricorder
noun
1
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."
2
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 notesIn 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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Doctor McCoy scanned the alien with his _____.
Etymology
Coined for Star Trek, blending tri- (its three main scanning functions) with (re)corder.