monochord

noun mono·chord \ ˈmä-nə-ˌkȯrd \

|Updated on: 3 Jun 2018

Definition of monochord

: an instrument of ancient origin for measuring and demonstrating the mathematical relations of musical tones and that consists of a single string stretched over a sound box and a movable bridge set on a graduated scale

Recent Examples of monochord from the Web

With gongs, crystal bowls, Tibetan singing bowls, Native American flute, didgeridoo, Celtic Harp, monochord, vibraphone.

— San Francisco Chronicle, "Classical music and dance listings," 24 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'monochord.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of monochord

Middle English monocorde, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin monochordum, from Greek monochordon, from mon- + chordē string — more at yarn

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined above

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Medical Dictionary

monochord

noun mono·chord \ ˈmän-ə-ˌkȯ(ə)rd \

medical Definition of monochord

: an instrument that has been used to test hearing acuity and that consists of a single string stretched over a sounding board and a movable bridge set on a graduated scale