Phonographic writings are a form of transcription in which language is recorded using a phonetic alphabet. The term "steno" is often used as a synonym for phonographic writings, as stenography is a shorthand method of writing. Other synonyms for phonographic writings include phonography, shorthand, and stenotype. Phonetic transcript and phonetic notes are also often used interchangeably with phonographic writings. The word "stenography" can also be used to refer specifically to the art of writing using shorthand. These synonyms are all used to describe the use of phonetic symbols to record speech in a precise and efficient manner.