crotales

plural noun

cro·​tales

ˈkrōˌtäl,

-ōtᵊ

1

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

2

: antique cymbals

Word History

Etymology

French, from Latin crotalum

First Known Use

circa 1903, in the meaning defined at sense 2

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Rhymes for crotales

• fingernails
• martingales
• ails
• ales
• bailes
• bails
• bales
• dales
• dalles
• fails
• gales
• hails