sourdine

noun

sour·​dine
ˈsu̇(ə)rˌdēn
plural -s
1
: any of several obsolete musical instruments distinguished by their low or soft tone: such as
a
: a trumpet used in giving soldiers the signal to march
b
: spinet
2

Word History

Etymology

French, from Italian sordina, sordino, from sordo silent, dull-sounding, deaf (from Latin surdus) + -ina, -ino (diminutive suffixes)

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Cite this Entry

“Sourdine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sourdine. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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