Phono

/ˈfoʊnoʊ/ noun

Definition

Short for phonograph or relating to sound reproduction equipment; a prefix meaning sound.

Etymology

From Greek phōnē meaning 'sound' or 'voice.' First used as a prefix in the 1870s with Edison's phonograph invention, then became a standalone term for audio equipment by the early 1900s.

Kelly Says

The 'phono' input on old stereos was specifically designed for turntables because vinyl records produce much weaker signals than other sources - they need special amplification! The Greek root 'phono' appears in dozens of words from telephone to symphony.

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