I. ˈmä-nə-tər noun
Etymology: Latin, one that warns, overseer, from monēre to warn — more at mind
Date: 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 monitor
2. : monitor lizard
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 ˌmä-nə-ˈtȯr-ē-əl adjective
• mon·i·tor·ship ˈmä-nə-tər-ˌship noun
II. transitive verb
( mon·i·tored ; mon·i·tor·ing ˈmä-nə-t(ə-)riŋ)
Date: 1924
: to watch, keep track of, or check usually for a special purpose