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orograph

orograph

9.9
A machine that makes maps showing land height like mountains and valleys
  • noun
  • /ˈɔrəˌgræf/
  • Archaic
: orógrafo
  • The cartographer demonstrated how the orograph could simplify the mapping of mountainous regions.

Examples

  • They use an orograph to create detailed maps.

  • The museum displayed a vintage orograph used by early surveyors.

  • Advances in technology have largely replaced the orograph with digital mapping tools.

  • The orograph is essential for accurate mapping.

  • The cartographer demonstrated how the orograph could simplify the mapping of mountainous regions.

  • The museum displayed a vintage orograph used by early surveyors.

  • Advances in technology have largely replaced the orograph with digital mapping tools.

Surface Forms

orograph singular
orographs plural

Morphology

orograph = oro + graph

The word combines the classical form 'oro-' for mountains with 'graph', but the specific sense of a machine for topographical mapping is technical and not fully predictable.

Etymology

The word orograph comes from Greek parts oro- meaning 'mountain' and -graph meaning 'to write' or 'to draw', just like in geography or graph. So, an orograph is a machine for 'drawing' mountain shapes and making mountain maps.