Wiktionary

pantograph

English

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A pantograph for drawing
 
A pantograph mirror
 
An original-style diamond rail pantograph

Alternative forms

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Etymology

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From French pantographe, from panto- (from Ancient Greek παντός (pantós), genitive singular of πᾶν (pân, “all”)), and -graphe (from γράφειν (gráphein, “to write”)).

Pronunciation

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  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈpantəɡɹɑːf/, /ˈpantəɡɹaf/

Noun

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pantograph (plural pantographs)

  1. A mechanical linkage based on parallelograms causing two objects to move in parallel; notably as a drawing aid.
    Synonyms: lazy tongs, omnigraph
    A pantograph can be adjusted to make either scaled or exact copies.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. (rail transport) A similarly-formed conductive device, now usually Z-shaped, that collects electric current from overhead lines for trains and trams.

Derived terms

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Translations

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The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables. See instructions at Wiktionary:Entry layout § Translations.
 
A modern Z-shaped rail pantograph

Verb

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pantograph (third-person singular simple present pantographs, present participle pantographing, simple past and past participle pantographed)

  1. To engrave by means of a pantograph (parallel linkage) system.

Further reading

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