Final answer:
A sphygmomanometer is an instrument used to measure the pressure of the pulse by using a thin inflatable cuff. It is commonly used to measure blood pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The medical language definition of the word sphygmomanometer is an instrument used to measure the pressure of the pulse by using a thin inflatable cuff. It is commonly used to measure blood pressure. A sphygmomanometer consists of an inflatable cuff that is wrapped around the upper arm, a pump to inflate the cuff, and a pressure meter to measure the pressure. When the cuff's pressure equals the arterial systolic pressure, blood flows past the cuff, creating audible sounds that can be heard using a stethoscope.