[mon.i.tor] n [L, one that warns, overseer, fr. monere to warn--more at mind] (1546) 1 a: a student appointed to assist a teacher b: one that warns or instructs c: one that monitors or is used in monitoring: as (1): a cathode-ray tube used for display (as of television pictures or computer information) (2): a device for observing a biological condition or function "a heart ~"
2: any of various large tropical Old World lizards (genus Varanus of the family Varanidae) closely related to the iguanas 3 [Monitor, first ship of the type] a: a heavily armored warship formerly used in coastal operations having a very low freeboard and one or more revolving gun turrets b: a small modern warship with shallow draft for coastal bombardment
4: a raised central portion of a roof having low windows or louvers for providing light and air -- mon.i.to.ri.al adj -- mon.i.tor.ship n
[2]monitor vt mon.i.tored ; mon.i.tor.ing (1924): to watch, keep track of, or check usu. for a special purpose