pantograph
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pantograph
- /ˈpantəɡɹɑːf/ UK
- /ˈpantəɡɹaf/ UK
Where it comes from
From French pantographe, from panto- (from Ancient Greek παντός (pantós), genitive singular of πᾶν (pân, “all”)), and -graphe (from γράφειν (gráphein, “to write”)).
noun pantographs · pentegraph
- A mechanical linkage based on parallelograms causing two objects to move in parallel; notably as a drawing aid. A pantograph can be adjusted to make either scaled or exact copies.
- By extension, a structure of crosswise bars linked in such a way that it can extend and compress like an accordion, such as in a pantograph mirror or a scissor lift.
- A pattern printed on a document to reduce the ease of photocopying. I was impressed by the quality of the pantograph; I hadn't noticed it on the original, but the copies were covered in unpleasant lines.
- A similarly-formed conductive device, now usually Z-shaped, that collects electric current from overhead lines for trains and trams.
verb pantographs · pantographing · pantographed · pentegraph
- To engrave by means of a pantograph (parallel linkage) system.
