monochord

[ mon-uh-kawrd ]

noun

1. an acoustical instrument dating from antiquity, consisting of an oblong wooden sounding box, usually with a single string, used for the mathematical determination of musical intervals.

monochord

/ ˈmɒnəʊˌkɔːd /

noun

1. an instrument employed in acoustic analysis or investigation, consisting usually of one string stretched over a resonator of wood Also calledsonometersəˈnɒmɪtə

Word History and Origins

Origin of monochord¹

1375–1425; late Middle English monocorde < Medieval Latin monochordum < Greek monóchordon, noun use of neuter of monóchordos with one string. See mono-, chord ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of monochord¹

C15: from Old French, from Late Latin, from Greek monokhordon, from mono- + khordē string

Example Sentences

In the eleventh century, when musical notation came into being, a monochord was used to teach singing.

From Project Gutenberg

One of the instruments which brings the child to producing and recognizing notes is the monochord.

From Project Gutenberg

The monochord has a movable bridge, therefore some time is lost in adjusting it in order to get the different tones.

From Project Gutenberg

And he remarks, respecting those proportions, that they are similar to the harmonic divisions of a monochord.

From Project Gutenberg

The principle of the action remained that of the old monochord.

From Project Gutenberg