tricorder

English

Etymology

The name of such a device in Star Trek, from tri- (referring to its three input keys, which by default cover geological, meteorological, and biological functions) + (re)corder

Pronunciation

• Audio (General Australian):

  (file)

Noun

tricorder (plural tricorders)

1. (fiction) A fictional futuristic handheld device used for scanning, which may be specialized for medical, technical, or other purposes.
   • 1999-2003, Matt Groening, opening title screen from the start, in Futurama, FOX Television Network:

     PLEASE TURN OFF ALL CELL PHONES AND TRICORDERS

2. (slang) A real-world advanced handheld medical scanner.

Translations

handheld device

• Chinese:

  Mandarin: 三錄儀 / 三录仪 (sānlùyí)