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

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

Part of the overhead power system began to strike the pantographs, damaging the carbon strips that conduct electricity, Gallagher said.

From Los Angeles Times

The layout and size are fine, but its pantograph keys are really mushy and unresponsive and just don’t feel good to type on.

From The Verge