Capnography
/ˌkæpˈnɒɡrəfi/noun
The measurement and graphical recording of carbon-dioxide concentration in exhaled breath.
Did you know?Although modern capnography measures carbon dioxide rather than smoke, its first element comes from ancient Greek kapnos, meaning “smoke,” while its second comes from graphein, “to write.”
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kwep-
“A reconstructed root associated with smoke, vapor, or emitting smoke; its exact relationship to Greek kapnos is discussed cautiously by etymologists.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
kapnos
“Smoke; vapor rising from burning material.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
graphein
“To write, scratch, or inscribe.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
-graphia
“Writing, recording, or description; a noun-forming element derived from graphein.”
20th Century
Medical English
capnography
“A coined medical term for graphically recording carbon dioxide in respiratory gases.”
Modern English
English
capnography
“Continuous monitoring and display of exhaled carbon dioxide, especially in anesthesia and emergency medicine.”