noun / verb

graph

A diagram showing relationships between values, or to represent information in one.

The graph shows how electricity use changes throughout the day.

Etymology

The word belongs to the Greek family of writing and drawing. A graph draws numerical relationships in visible form, and the verb names producing that representation.

More examples

  • This bar graph compares sales at three stores.
  • We graph the temperature every hour.
  • She graphed the equation on a coordinate grid.

Forms

graph · graphs · graphed · graphing

Similar words

chart
Can organize information without showing relationships between numerical values.
plot
Emphasizes placing data points or curves on coordinate axes.
diagram
Can show structures or processes rather than numerical relationships.