pantograph

noun, verb — 5 senses

pantograph

noun

UK /ˈpantəɡɹɑːf/

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

1

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.
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, Railways, Transport A similarly-formed conductive device, now usually Z-shaped, that collects electric current from overhead lines for trains and trams.

Derived terms
pantographer, pantography, micropantograph
Related terms
bow collector, trolley pole

pantograph

verb

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

1

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

Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.