pantograph
noun
- Power collection apparatus used by trains
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˈpantəɡɹɑːf/ / /ˈpantəɡɹaf/
noun
Etymology: From French pantographe, from panto- (from Ancient Greek παντός (pantós), genitive singular of πᾶν (pân, “all”)), and -graphe (from γράφειν (gráphein, “to write”)).
- 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.”
- A similarly-formed conductive device, now usually Z-shaped, that collects electric current from overhead lines for trains and trams.
verb
Etymology: From French pantographe, from panto- (from Ancient Greek παντός (pantós), genitive singular of πᾶν (pân, “all”)), and -graphe (from γράφειν (gráphein, “to write”)).
- To engrave by means of a pantograph (parallel linkage) system.