theremin

noun

the·re·min | \ˈther-ə-mən

\

Definition of theremin

: a purely melodic electronic musical instrument typically played by moving the hands in the electromagnetic fields surrounding two projecting antennae

Examples of theremin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Concert Atop the Crypts: Divine Hand Ensemble The Divine Hand Ensemble takes advantage of the haunting backdrop of the historical Laurel Hill Cemetery to perform music on the iconically sci-fi instrument, the theremin. — Philly.com, "Carrie Underwood, Celebration of Black Arts and other great events in Philadelphia, June 29-July 6," 28 June 2018 Friction Quartet with Thorwald Jørgensen Jørgensen, theremin. — Chronicle Staff Report, San Francisco Chronicle, "Classical music and dance listings," 10 May 2018 There’s one singer, Clinton Curtis; many vocal lines are given to the theremin (played by Rob Schimmer), not a Beatles instrument but one whose weird sonority adds its own layer of drama. — Alastair Macaulay, New York Times, "Review: Mark Morris’s Lonely Hearts Club Band," 22 June 2018 He's also got Bob Moog's personal MemoryMoog Synthesizer, a bargain struck after Moog couldn't deliver on a theremin promised Mothersbaugh while the electronics firm worked out the kinks. — John Wenz, Popular Mechanics, "Take a Tour Through Mark Mothersbaugh's Synth Collection," 3 Feb. 2015 Its shape resembles that of an eighth note, and its sound has been likened to that of a theremin. — Stephen J. Beard, Indianapolis Star, "How an Otamatone came to play 'Back Home Again'," 24 May 2018 The dynamic young Bay Area string quartet is joined by theremin virtuoso Thorwald Jørgensen in a program of music by Simon Bertrand and Dalit Warshaw. — Chronicle Staff Report, San Francisco Chronicle, "Bay Area arts and entertainment picks for May 18-20," 17 May 2018 Francois Chambard, maker of conductive wallpaper and adorable theremins, is back with a clever new line of furniture called Patch. — Liz Stinson, Curbed, "This interactive furniture line runs on solar power," 24 Apr. 2018 The music is performed by a chamber orchestra of unusual orchestration: theremin, soprano sax, trombone, piano, organ, harpsichord, percussion and vocals. — Christopher Arnott, courant.com, "'Pepperland' Dance First Major Work Announced For Arts & Ideas," 16 Mar. 2018

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

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Time Traveler for theremin

The first known use of theremin was in 1927

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