1. The Suffixes -graph and -gram
Lesson #23

2. Etymology
The Greek suffix –graph and its related form –gram have to do with writing. The suffix is taken from the ancient Greek verb graphein, which means “to write.” Graph is sometimes used as a root. Graph, diagram, and autobiography are a few of the many words containing this word part.

3. calligraphy
Noun- The art of fine handwriting; decorative handwriting

4. cartography
Noun- The technique or art of making maps or charts

5. demography
Noun- The study of characteristics of human populations, such as size, growth, or age
Note: In demography, -graph is used to mean “writings” or “studies.”

6. epigram Noun- A short, clever poem or saying
“Little strokes Fell great oaks.” — Benjamin Franklin
Note: The Greek tradition of epigrams began as poems inscribed on dedicated offerings at sanctuaries – including statues of athletes – and on funerary monuments, for example "Go tell it to the Spartans, passersby...".

7. graphic Noun- A visual representation, such as a graph or picture
Adjective- Described in a vivid and effective manner

8. holography
Noun- A photographic technique that produces a three-dimensional image
Note: A holograph is a document written entirely in the handwriting of the person who signs it, such as most letters. A hologram is a 3-D image produced by holography

9. monogram Noun- A design composed of single letters, usually initials
Verb- To make a design of single letters, usually initials
Note: Monogram refers to “single” initials. Monograph refers to a piece of writing on one subject. Though each word comes from “single” and “writing,” they have different meanings.

10. monograph
Noun- A scholarly report on one subject

11. seismograph
Noun- An instrument for measuring and recording movements of the earth’s crust

12. typography
Noun- The style and arrangement of text, either printed on paper or displayed on a screen
Note: Typography– old and new
In the mid-1400’s, Johann Gutenberg invented moveable type, which consisted of small blocks with raised letters on them. When the blocks were inked and pressed onto a piece of paper, they formed printed letters. The printed images became known as type because the letters always looked the same; they had a standard form (or type). Today, printing is usually done by computer, but the way we design our documents is still known as typography.