pantograph

[ pan-tuh-graf, -grahf ]

noun

1. Also pan·ta·graph. 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.

pantograph

/ 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

Derived Forms

• panˈtography, noun
• pantographic, adjective
• pantographer, noun
• ˌpantoˈgraphically, adverb

Other Words From

• pan·tog·ra·pher [pan-, tog, -r, uh, -fer], noun
• pan·to·graph·ic [pan-t, uh, -, graf, -ik], panto·graphi·cal adjective
• panto·graphi·cal·ly adverb
• pan·togra·phy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pantograph¹

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

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

The pantograph was tracing Weaver's eyelids, and then the unfeeling eyes themselves.

From Project Gutenberg

By moving a pantograph control, Tom was able to manipulate the claws like a hand with fingers.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Sylvester called an instrument based on this property a plagiograph or a skew pantograph.

From Project Gutenberg