allograph

[ al-uh-graf, -grahf ]

noun

1. Linguistics. a variant form of a grapheme that is in complementary distribution or free variation with another form of the same grapheme, as t and T or n in run and nn in runner; an orthographic contextual variant. Compare grapheme.
2. writing or a signature inscribed by one person for another, as distinguished from autograph.
3. a deed or other legal document not in the writing of any of the persons who are party to it.

allograph

/ ˌæləˈɡræfɪk; ˈæləˌɡrɑːf /

noun

1. a document written by a person who is not a party to it
2. a signature made by one person on behalf of another Compare autograph
3. linguistics any of the written symbols that constitute a single grapheme

   m and M are allographs in the Roman alphabet

Derived Forms

• allographic, adjective

Other Words From

• al·lo·graph·ic [al-, uh, -, graf, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of allograph¹

1950–55; allo- + -graph, on the model of allophone