Trombone
[trɒm'bəʊn] or [trɑm'bon]
Definition
(noun.) a brass instrument consisting of a long tube whose length can be varied by a U-shaped slide.
Checker: Monroe--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) A powerful brass instrument of the trumpet kind, thought by some to be the ancient sackbut, consisting of a tube in three parts, bent twice upon itself and ending in a bell. The middle part, bent double, slips into the outer parts, as in a telescope, so that by change of the vibrating length any tone within the compass of the instrument (which may be bass or tenor or alto or even, in rare instances, soprano) is commanded. It is the only member of the family of wind instruments whose scale, both diatonic and chromatic, is complete without the aid of keys or pistons, and which can slide from note to note as smoothly as the human voice or a violin. Softly blown, it has a rich and mellow sound, which becomes harsh and blatant when the tones are forced; used with discretion, its effect is often solemn and majestic.
(n.) The common European bittern.
Inputed by Gretchen
Definition
n. a deep-toned brass musical wind instrument of the trumpet kind consisting of a tube bent twice on itself.—n. Trom′bonist.
Typist: Ralph
Examples
- In the brass wind instruments such as horn, trombone, and trumpet, the lips of the player vibrate and excite the air within. Bertha M. Clark. General Science.
- All of these instruments, however, except the trombone possess some valves which, on being pressed, vary the length of the tube and alter the pitch accordingly. Bertha M. Clark. General Science.
- In the trombone, valves are replaced by a section which slides in and out and shortens or lengthens the tube. Bertha M. Clark. General Science.
Typist: Wilhelmina