Autophonoscope

/ˌɔːtəˈfoʊnəskoʊp/ noun

Definition

A device that allows someone to hear their own voice or sounds they produce, used for self-monitoring in speech or hearing tests.

Etymology

From Greek 'auto-' (self), 'phone' (sound), and 'scope' (to view/examine). This scientific instrument emerged in late 19th-century speech pathology and audiology.

Kelly Says

This is essentially an ancestor of modern voice-recording technology—speech therapists used it to let patients hear exactly what their speech problems sounded like, which was incredibly powerful for learning!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.