Main Entry: vi·o·lin

Pronunciation: \ˌvī-ə-ˈlin\

Function: noun

Etymology: Italian violino, diminutive of viola

Date: circa 1576

: a bowed stringed instrument having four strings tuned at intervals of a fifth and a usual range from G below middle C upward for more than 4¹⁄₂ octaves and having a shallow body, shoulders at right angles to the neck, a fingerboard without frets, and a curved bridge

— vi·o·lin·ist \-ist\ noun

— vi·o·lin·ist·ic \-ə-lə-ˈnis-tik\ adjective

[violin illustration]