star trek - Why is it called a tricorder?

The device is square, the readout is square, maybe it should be called square-corder.

Did the original tricorder only have 3 functions?

I checked the Memory Alpha entry but it doesn't state the origin of the name or any requirement that it performs 3+ functions.

Answer

The name 'tricorder' relates to its three main functions (sensing, computing and recording) and is, according to the Star Fleet Medical Reference Manual, considered quasi-canon but written by Geoffrey Mandel, senior production artist and designer for TNG, DS9 and Voyager, an abbreviation of the device's full name:

"TRI-function reCORDER"

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This is further backed up by the reference on tricorders in the (fully canon) Star Trek TNG Technical Manual

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and a similar description in the Voyager Technical Manual

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and a similar description in the DS9 Technical Manual

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and a similar description in the TNG Writer's Technical Manual

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Comments

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