metronome

[me-truh-nohm]

noun

1. a mechanical or electrical instrument that makes repeated clicking sounds at an adjustable pace, used for marking rhythm, especially in practicing music.

metronome

/ ˌmɛtrəˈnɒmɪk, ˈmɛtrəˌnəʊm /

noun

1. a mechanical device which indicates the exact tempo of a piece of music by producing a clicking sound from a pendulum with an adjustable period of swing

Other Word Forms

• metronomic adjective
• metronomical adjective
• metronomically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of metronome¹

1810–20; metro- ¹ + -nome < Greek nómos rule, law

Word History and Origins

Origin of metronome¹

C19: from Greek metron measure + nomos rule, law

Related Words

• timer