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crotales

plural noun
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cro·​tales | \ ˈkrōˌtäl, -ōtᵊ \

Definition of crotales

1 : a percussion instrument consisting of a set of twelve very small, thick cymbals tuned to the chromatic scale
2 : antique cymbals

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First Known Use of crotales

circa 1903, in the meaning defined at sense 2

History and Etymology for crotales

French, from Latin crotalum

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The first known use of crotales was circa 1903

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Cite this Entry

“Crotales.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crotales. Accessed 20 Oct. 2020.

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