tremolo

trem·o·lo | \ ˈtre-mə-ˌlō

How to pronounce tremolo (audio)

\

plural tremolos

Definition of tremolo

1a : the rapid reiteration of a musical tone or of alternating tones to produce a tremulous effect

b : vocal vibrato especially when prominent or excessive

2 : a mechanical device in an organ for causing a tremulous effect

Examples of tremolo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web There's a lovely feline supercharger howl, plus the whine of the serpentine belt and some intake roar, not to mention a mechanical valvetrain tremolo. — John Phillips, Car and Driver, "Tested: 1996 Aston Martin DB7 Volante Makes the English Sports-Car Brand Relevant Again," 20 May 2020 The music, by Akira Miyoshi and Michael Gordon, is more urgent — tremolos on marimba, mysterious and thunderous — and the choreography is more agitated: an exchange of whiplash duets and trios like excited molecules. — Brian Seibert, New York Times, "Review: Richard Alston Dance Says Adieu in (Quiet) Character," 21 Feb. 2020 These guys came to me with all these tremolo, feedback, wah-wah, fuzz-pedal songs and just completely kicked my butt. — Greg Kot, chicagotribune.com, "R.E.M., the Replacements and the albums that nearly broke them," 5 Nov. 2019 Some of these events recurred, like glissandos, playing on the bridge, and furiously bowed tremolos. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Review: At Fresh Sound concert, Flux Quartet challenges listeners with daring works," 7 Aug. 2019 For example, his signature right-hand tremolo is fully established. — Marc Myers, WSJ, "‘Classic Brunswick & Columbia Teddy Wilson Sessions 1934-1942’ Review: The Peacemaker of the Piano," 13 Apr. 2018 During the summer, they can be identified by their shiny black head and bill, small red eyes, and distinctive calls — tremolo, wail, yodel, and hoot. — Margeaux Sippell, BostonGlobe.com, "Around July Fourth, look out for loon chicks," 1 July 2018 Preamp Tubes: Increase the amplitude of the audio signal from the guitar and send it to circuits that introduce effects like reverb and tremolo. 7. — Kevin Dupzyk, Popular Mechanics, "What a Fender Amp Looks Like When You Tear It Apart," 24 Mar. 2015 The album is full of early rock and roll touches, with lots of reverb and tremolo guitars, so expect Williams to transform Johnny Brenda’s into a Twin Peaksian Roadhouse on Saturday night. — Philly.com, "DJ Khaled, a tribute to the Beatles, Wine Pong and other things to do in Philadelphia March 23-30," 21 Mar. 2018

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

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Cite this Entry

“Tremolo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tremolo. Accessed 22 Jan. 2021.

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