allograph

[ al-uh-graf, -grahf ]

noun
  1. Linguistics. a variant form of a grapheme that is in complementary distribution or free variation with another form of the same grapheme, as t and T or n in run and nn in runner; an orthographic contextual variant.: Compare grapheme.

  2. writing or a signature inscribed by one person for another, as distinguished from autograph.

  1. a deed or other legal document not in the writing of any of the persons who are party to it.

Origin of allograph

1
1950–55; allo- + -graph, on the model of allophone

Other words from allograph

  • al·lo·graph·ic [al-uh-graf-ik], /ˌæl əˈgræf ɪk/, adjective

Words that may be confused with allograph

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

British Dictionary definitions for allograph

allograph

/ (ˈæləˌɡrɑːf) /


noun
  1. a document written by a person who is not a party to it

  2. a signature made by one person on behalf of another: Compare autograph

  1. linguistics any of the written symbols that constitute a single grapheme: m and M are allographs in the Roman alphabet

Derived forms of allograph

  • allographic (ˌæləˈɡræfɪk), adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012