pantograph
English
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/58/Pantograph_%28cropped%29.jpg/220px-Pantograph_%28cropped%29.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/ce/Pantograph_Mirror.gif/220px-Pantograph_Mirror.gif)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d9/Schynige_Platte_diamond_pantograph.jpg/220px-Schynige_Platte_diamond_pantograph.jpg)
Etymology
From French pantographe, from panto- (from Ancient Greek παντός (pantós), genitive singular of πᾶν (pân, “all”)), and -graphe (from γράφειν (gráphein, “to write”))
Pronunciation
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 333: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "UK" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /ˈpantəɡɹɑːf/, /ˈpantəɡɹaf/
Noun
pantograph (plural pantographs)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- (rail transport) A similarly-formed conductive device, now usually Z-shaped, that collects electric current from overhead lines for trains and trams.
Derived terms
Related terms
Translations
mechanical drawing aid
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rail transport: Device that collects electric current from overhead lines
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- The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables. See instructions at Wiktionary:Entry layout § Translations.
Translations to be checked
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![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f4/Pantograaf_lichtrail.jpg/220px-Pantograaf_lichtrail.jpg)
Further reading
pantograph on Wikipedia.Wikipedia
Pantograph (rail) on Wikipedia.Wikipedia
Category:Pantographs on Wikimedia Commons.Wikimedia Commons
Verb
pantograph (third-person singular simple present pantographs, present participle pantographing, simple past and past participle pantographed)
- To engrave by means of a pantograph (parallel linkage) system.