| Trombone (trombone) |
|---|
| n. | (?) |
|---|
| Trom"bone |
| [It., aug. of tromba
a trumpet: cf. F. trombone. See Trump a trumpet.] |
A powerful brass instrument of the
trumpet kind, thought by some to be the ancient sackbut, consisting of a
tube in three parts, bent twice upon itself and ending in a bell. The
middle part, bent double, slips into the outer parts, as in a telescope, so
that by change of the vibrating length any tone within the compass of the
instrument (which may be bass or tenor or alto or even, in rare instances,
soprano) is commanded. It is the only member of the family of wind
instruments whose scale, both diatonic and chromatic, is complete without
the aid of keys or pistons, and which can slide from note to note as
smoothly as the human voice or a violin. Softly blown, it has a rich and
mellow sound, which becomes harsh and blatant when the tones are forced;
used with discretion, its effect is often solemn and majestic.
The common European
bittern.
|
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In celebration of Noah Webster's Birthday (October 16, 2009), we have prepared an updated website. 