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pantograph

[pan-tuh-graf, -grahf]
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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR pantograph ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

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

Origin of pantograph

First recorded in 1715–25; panto- + -graph
Related formspan·tog·ra·pher [pan-tog-ruh-fer] /pænˈtɒg rə fər/, nounpan·to·graph·ic [pan-tuh-graf-ik] /ˌpæn təˈgræf ɪk/, pan·to·graph·i·cal, adjectivepan·to·graph·i·cal·ly, adverbpan·tog·ra·phy, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for pantograph

Historical Examples of pantograph

  • The pantograph, the pendulum, the brumbo pulley, the reducing wheel.

  • Scheiner suggested and planned the optical experiment which bears his name, and also invented the pantograph.

    The Jesuits, 1534-1921

    Thomas J. Campbell

  • Luke moved the pantograph pointer, again and again, until it touched Weaver's robed body.

    The Worshippers

    Damon Francis Knight

  • Weaver was glad it was Luke whose hand was guiding the pantograph, not one of the bright, efficient younger generation.

    The Worshippers

    Damon Francis Knight

  • The pantograph pointer moved down the side of God's nose and another wedge of stone fell in the plaza.

    The Worshippers

    Damon Francis Knight

British Dictionary definitions for pantograph

pantograph

noun

an instrument consisting of pivoted levers for copying drawings, maps, etc, to any desired scale
a sliding type of current collector, esp a diamond-shaped frame mounted on a train roof in contact with an overhead wire
a device consisting of a parallelogram of jointed rods used to suspend a studio lamp so that its height can be adjusted
Derived Formspantographer (pænˈtɒɡrəfə), nounpantographic (ˌpæntəˈɡræfɪk), adjectivepantographically, adverbpantography, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012