Pantograph

//ˈpantəɡɹɑːf// noun, verb

noun, verb ·Uncommon ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    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."

  2. 2
    mechanical device used to copy a figure or plan on a different scale wordnet
  3. 3
    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.
  4. 4
    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."

  5. 5
    A similarly-formed conductive device, now usually Z-shaped, that collects electric current from overhead lines for trains and trams.
Verb
  1. 1
    To engrave by means of a pantograph (parallel linkage) system.

Synonyms

All synonyms
lazy tongsomnigraph

Example

More examples

"A pantograph can be adjusted to make either scaled or exact copies."

Etymology

From French pantographe, from panto- (from Ancient Greek παντός (pantós), genitive singular of πᾶν (pân, “all”)), and -graphe (from γράφειν (gráphein, “to write”)).

Related phrases

bow collectorelectric currentoverhead linescissor lifttrolley pole

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Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.