concertina

[ kon-ser-tee-nuh ]

/ ˌkɒn sərˈti nə /

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See synonyms for concertina on Thesaurus.com

noun

a musical instrument resembling an accordion but having buttonlike keys, hexagonal bellows and ends, and a more limited range.

concertina wire.

verb (used without object), con·cer·ti·naed

[kon-ser-tee-nuhd], /ˌkɒn sərˈti nəd/, con·cer·ti·na·ing

[kon-ser-tee-nuh-ing]. /ˌkɒn sərˈti nə ɪŋ/.

to fold, crush together, or collapse in the manner of a concertina: The car concertinaed when it hit the truck.

verb (used with object), con·cer·ti·naed

[kon-ser-tee-nuhd], /ˌkɒn sərˈti nəd/, con·cer·ti·na·ing

[kon-ser-tee-nuh-ing]. /ˌkɒn sərˈti nə ɪŋ/.

to cause to fold or collapse in the manner of a concertina.

adjective

of, relating to, or resembling a concertina: concertina pleats.

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Origin of concertina

Apparently coined by the original instrument's inventor, English instrument-maker Charles Wheatstone (1802–75), who patented it in 1829; cf. concertino, seraphina a similar instrument

OTHER WORDS FROM concertina

con·cer·ti·nist, noun

Words nearby concertina

concertato, concerted, Concertgebouw, concertgoer, concert grand, concertina, concertina movement, concertina table, concertina wire, concertino, concertize

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use concertina in a sentence

When faced with smaller smooth branches or poles, snakes typically climb them using a form of movement called concertina locomotion.
These snakes wiggle up smooth poles by turning their bodies into ‘lassoes’|Kate Baggaley|January 13, 2021|Popular-Science
Only the depressingly high concertina-wired fence with watchtowers is a reminder of the dangers of female education here.
Afghan Women's Uncertain Future|Ann Marlowe|December 3, 2010|DAILY BEAST
At a meeting of prominent Zabul women, she casually mentioned that her office needed a higher fence and concertina wire.
Afghan Women's Uncertain Future|Ann Marlowe|December 3, 2010|DAILY BEAST
There is concertina barbed wire going up on parts of the border between Bangladesh and India.
Al Gore Warms Up|Lloyd Grove|December 9, 2009|DAILY BEAST

The music of a concertina rose and fell, like the sighing of some disillusioned spirit.
Villa Rubein and Other Stories|John Galsworthy
One night five musicians relieved each other at the task of playing the tune on a concertina outside his door.
Hyacinth|George A. Birmingham
Because It only needs to be carefully sat on to make an excellent and noiseless substitute for the concertina.
Mr. Punch's History of Modern England Vol. IV of IV.|Charles L. Graves
The bonnet that covered the engine, crinkled up like a concertina; but the car held the track.
The Hero of Panama|F. S. Brereton
He could hear Bob playing: "Way down upon de Suwannee ribber" on his concertina, and it made him nice and sad.
The Forsyte Saga, Volume III.|John Galsworthy

British Dictionary definitions for concertina

concertina

/ (ˌkɒnsəˈtiːnə) /

noun

a small hexagonal musical instrument of the reed organ family in which metallic reeds are vibrated by air from a set of bellows operated by the player's hands. Notes are produced by pressing buttons

verb -nas, -naing or -naed

(intr) to collapse or fold up like a concertina

Derived forms of concertina

concertinist, noun

Word Origin for concertina

C19: concert + -ina

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

concertina

Origin of concertina

OTHER WORDS FROM concertina

Words nearby concertina

Words related to concertina

How to use concertina in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for concertina

Derived forms of concertina

Word Origin for concertina