graph

¹

[graf]

noun

1. a diagram representing a system of connections or interrelations among two or more things by a number of distinctive dots, lines, bars, etc.

2. Mathematics.

   1. a series of points, discrete or continuous, forming a curve or surface, each of which represents a value of a given function.

   2. Also called linear graph. a network of lines connecting points.

3. a written symbol for an idea, a sound, or a linguistic expression.

4. Computers.,  a non-hierarchical data structure whose nodes store data elements and whose branches represent connections to other nodes in the structure.

verb (used with object)

1. Mathematics.,  to draw (a curve) as representing a given function.

2. to represent by means of a graph.

graph-

²

1. variant of grapho- before a vowel.

   grapheme.

-graph

³

1. a combining form meaning “drawn,” “written” (lithograph; monograph ); specialized in meaning to indicate the instrument rather than the written product of the instrument (telegraph; phonograph ).

graph

¹

/ ɡrɑːf, ɡræf /

noun

1. Also called: chart. a drawing depicting the relation between certain sets of numbers or quantities by means of a series of dots, lines, etc, plotted with reference to a set of axes See also bar graph

2. maths a drawing depicting a functional relation between two or three variables by means of a curve or surface containing only those points whose coordinates satisfy the relation

3. maths a structure represented by a diagram consisting of points (vertices) joined by lines (edges)

4. linguistics a symbol in a writing system not further subdivisible into other such symbols

verb

1. (tr) to draw or represent in a graph

-graph

²

combining form

1. an instrument that writes or records

   telegraph

2. a writing, record, or drawing

   autograph

   lithograph

graph

1. A diagram showing the relationship of quantities, especially such a diagram in which lines, bars, or proportional areas represent how one quantity depends on or changes with another.

2. A curve or line showing a mathematical function or equation, typically drawn in a Cartesian coordinate system. The graph of the function y = x ² is a parabola.

Other Word Forms

• -graphically combining form
• -graphic combining form
• regraph verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of graph¹

First recorded in 1875–80; short for graphic formula; graphic

Origin of graph²

< Greek -graphos (something) drawn or written, one who draws or writes. See grapho-

Word History and Origins

Origin of graph¹

C19: short for graphic formula

Origin of graph²

via Latin from Greek -graphos, from graphein to write

Synonym Study

See map.

Example Sentences

The above graph shows Celtic - the team in the slim sliver of white along the bottom - were never really a force going forward despite dominating the ball with 67% possession.

From BBC

Sport's administrators regularly point to grand plans, great leaps forward and graphs trending ever upwards.

From BBC

They had graphs dating back to the end of World War II that showed how gerrymanders eroded over a decade, how parties very rarely won any enduring edge through redrawing the maps.

From Salon

As shown in the graph above, in the three seasons prior to 2024-25 Liverpool made net transfer spends of -£17.8m,

From BBC

Even a small shift in temperatures can significantly increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, as the graph below shows.

From BBC

Related Words

• chart 

When To Use

What does -graph mean?

The combining form -graph is used like a suffix meaning “drawn” or "written," often to denote a recording of something. It is also used in a technical sense to mean an instrument that produces a written product. It is often used in scientific and technical terms.The form -graph comes from Greek -graphos, meaning “drawn or written, one who draws or writes.”What are variants of -graph?While -graph doesn't have any variants, it is related to the forms -graphy, as in telegraphy, and -graphic, as in pictographic. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use articles on -graphy and -graphic.