n.
- a person or device that monitors something.
- a television receiver used in a studio to view the picture being transmitted from a particular camera.
▸a screen which displays an image generated by a computer.
▸a loudspeaker used by performers on stage to hear themselves or in a studio to hear what has been recorded.
- a school pupil with disciplinary or other special duties.
-
(also monitor lizard)
a large tropical lizard with a long neck and a short body, formerly believed to give warning of crocodiles.
[Genus Varanus: many species.]
- historical a shallow-draught warship mounting one or two heavy guns for bombardment.
v.
observe and check over a period of time.
▸maintain regular surveillance over.
▸listen to and report on (a radio broadcast or telephone conversation).
Derivative
- monitorial adj.
- monitorship n.
Etymology
C16: from L., from monit-, monere ‘warn’.