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Definition of stethoscope

stethoscope

/ˈstɛθ.əˌskoʊp/
steth · o · scope
Adverb:stethoscopically
•
Plural:stethoscopes
•
Adjective:stethoscopic
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stethoscope Lexical Profile

stethoscope Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A medical instrument used for listening to the internal sounds of an animal or human body, most commonly the heartbeat and breath sounds.

Example

"The doctor gently pressed the cold metal of the stethoscope against my chest and asked me to take a deep breath."

2

A specialized acoustic tool resembling a medical stethoscope, used by mechanics and technicians to locate internal sounds in engines, pipes, or machinery.

Example

"Using a mechanic's stethoscope, she was able to quickly isolate the faint grinding noise coming from the vehicle's water pump."

• Rhymes for stethoscope

• Nearby Words

sterlet
sterlet sturgeon
sternbergia
stethoscope
stevia
stew
stewart

Word Origin & Etymology

Invented in 1816 by French physician René Laennec. Derived from the Greek words 'stēthos' (chest) and 'skopein' (to look at or examine).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Stethoscope. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 17, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/stethoscope
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