pantograph

noun
pan·​to·​graph | \ ˈpan-tə-ˌgraf How to pronounce pantograph (audio) \

Definition of pantograph

1 : an instrument for copying something (such as a map) on a predetermined scale consisting of four light rigid bars jointed in parallelogram form also : any of various extensible devices of similar construction (as for use as brackets or gates)
2 : an electrical trolley carried by a collapsible and adjustable frame

Illustration of pantograph

Illustration of pantograph

pantograph 1

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Other Words from pantograph

pantographic \ ˌpan-​tə-​ˈgra-​fik How to pronounce pantographic (audio) \ adjective

Examples of pantograph in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The layout and size are fine, but its pantograph keys are really mushy and unresponsive and just don’t feel good to type on. Sam Byford, The Verge, "This hybrid keyboard-trackpad is almost a great iPad mouse solution," 1 Aug. 2019 Also Friday, Noland talked about a Jan. 14 incident in which an eastbound train's pantograph broke and got tangled in the overhead electrical wires just outside the Dune Park station, creating a shower of sparks and electric arcing atop a train car. Tim Zorn, Post-Tribune, "Fare increase in the works for South Shore riders," 28 Jan. 2018 The operator then controlled the Turk by means of a 'pantograph' device that synchronized his arm movements with those of the wooden Turk. Kat Eschner, Smithsonian, "Debunking the Mechanical Turk Helped Set Edgar Allan Poe on the Path to Mystery Writing," 20 July 2017 The operator then controlled the Turk by means of a 'pantograph' device that synchronized his arm movements with those of the wooden Turk. Kat Eschner, Smithsonian, "Debunking the Mechanical Turk Helped Set Edgar Allan Poe on the Path to Mystery Writing," 20 July 2017 The operator then controlled the Turk by means of a 'pantograph' device that synchronized his arm movements with those of the wooden Turk. Kat Eschner, Smithsonian, "Debunking the Mechanical Turk Helped Set Edgar Allan Poe on the Path to Mystery Writing," 20 July 2017 The operator then controlled the Turk by means of a 'pantograph' device that synchronized his arm movements with those of the wooden Turk. Kat Eschner, Smithsonian, "Debunking the Mechanical Turk Helped Set Edgar Allan Poe on the Path to Mystery Writing," 20 July 2017 The pantograph can connect and disconnect automatically with the contact line via a sensor system while the trucks are moving. Megan Geuss, Ars Technica, "One way to curb freight emissions: Put trucks on an electric catenary system," 10 Nov. 2017 The operator then controlled the Turk by means of a 'pantograph' device that synchronized his arm movements with those of the wooden Turk. Kat Eschner, Smithsonian, "Debunking the Mechanical Turk Helped Set Edgar Allan Poe on the Path to Mystery Writing," 20 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pantograph.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of pantograph

1723, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for pantograph

French pantographe, from pant- + -graphe -graph

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More Definitions for pantograph

pantograph

noun
pan·​to·​graph | \ ˈpant-ə-ˌgraf How to pronounce pantograph (audio) \

Medical Definition of pantograph

: an instrument for copying (as from a radiograph) on a predetermined scale consisting of four light rigid bars jointed in parallelogram form