pantograph

noun pan·to·graph \ ˈpan-tə-ˌgraf \

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

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pantographic

play \ˌpan-tə-ˈgra-fik\ adjective

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Recent Examples of pantograph from the Web

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
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.

Illustration of pantograph

Origin and Etymology of pantograph

French pantographe, from pant- + -graphe -graph

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1723

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Medical Dictionary

pantograph

noun pan·to·graph \ ˈpant-ə-ˌgraf \

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

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See words that rhyme with pantograph Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pantograph

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pantograph

Definition of pantograph

pantographic

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pantograph

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pantographic

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