beating reed

noun

: a reed in a musical instrument that vibrates against the edges of an air opening (as in a clarinet or organ pipe) to which it is attached compare free reed

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of beating reed was in 1851

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Cite this Entry

“Beating reed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beating%20reed. Accessed 1 Dec. 2023.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about beating reed

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