pantograph

American  

[pan-tuh-graf, -grahf] / ˈpæn təˌgræf, -ˌgrɑf /

noun

1. Also pantagraph an instrument for the mechanical copying of plans, diagrams, etc., on any desired scale.

2. Electricity. a device usually consisting of two parallel, hinged, double-diamond frames, for transferring current from an overhead wire to a vehicle, as a trolley car or electric locomotive.

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pantograph British  

/ pænˈtɒɡrəfə, ˌpæntəˈɡræfɪk, ˈpæntəˌɡrɑːf /

noun

1. an instrument consisting of pivoted levers for copying drawings, maps, etc, to any desired scale

2. a sliding type of current collector, esp a diamond-shaped frame mounted on a train roof in contact with an overhead wire

3. a device consisting of a parallelogram of jointed rods used to suspend a studio lamp so that its height can be adjusted

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Other Word Forms

• pantographer noun
• pantographic adjective
• pantographical adjective
• pantographically adverb
• pantography noun

Etymology

Origin of pantograph

First recorded in 1715–25; panto- + -graph

Example Sentences

To go electric, rail operators have traditionally had two options: electrified rail, or overhead lines that that trains connect to with arm-like pantographs on their roofs.

From BBC

As the pantograph makes and breaks contact with the line, he says, it produces sparks and electromagnetic bursts that can “drown the entire spectrum of faint radio signals the telescope is devoted to study.”

From Science Magazine

Mr. Schmieder was part of a test of a third alternative: a system that feeds electricity to trucks as they drive, using wires strung above the roadway and a pantograph mounted on the cab.

From New York Times

A new feature is the remote-controlled raising and lowering of electric pantographs, the apparatus atop a train that connects with overhead wires.

From New York Times

The pantograph is designed to skim the wires that run above the line, collecting electricity that powers the train.

From Los Angeles Times