2. A representation of sounds by distinctive characters;
commonly, a system of shorthand writing invented by Isaac
Pitman, or a modification of his system, much used by
reporters.
Note: The consonants are represented by straight lines and
curves; the vowels by dots and short dashes; but by
skilled phonographers, in rapid work, most vowel marks
are omitted, and brief symbols for common words and
combinations of words are extensively employed. The
following line is an example of phonography, in which
all the sounds are indicated: