Graph Is Short for Graphic Formula
A graph is a diagram showing relationships between values. The word is an abbreviation, and it shares a root with writing.
A graph is a diagram showing the relationship between quantities. The word is a shortening of *graphic formula*, coined in the 1870s by the mathematician James Sylvester. It rests on Greek *graphein*, to write or draw, which also gives *photograph*, light-writing, *telegraph*, distant-writing, and *autograph*, self-writing. In mathematics, graph theory studies networks of points and connections, a completely different object with the same name.
- A diagram of values. *A line graph.*
- A network of nodes. *Graph theory.*
- To plot. *Graph the results.*
- Graphic — visual, or vivid. *Graphic detail.*
- Greek — *graphein*, to write. *The source.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | graph | A bar graph. |
| Plural | graphs | Two graphs. |
| Verb | graph | Graph it. |
| Adjective | graphic | Graphic design. |
| Greek | graphein | To write. |
- The graph shows a steady rise.Data.
- Graph theory studies networks.Mathematics.
- Graphein means to write.Etymology.
The graphein family
- Photograph — writing with light
- Telegraph — writing at a distance
- Autograph — writing by oneself
- Biography — the writing of a life
- Graphite — named because it writes
A shortening of *graphic formula*, coined in 1878 by James Joseph Sylvester, from Greek *graphein*, to write or draw.
What is a graph in graph theory?
A set of points, called vertices, joined by lines called edges. It models networks, not plotted data.
Is graphite related to graph?
Yes. It was named from the Greek for writing, because it marks paper.