Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

glass harmonica

noun
  1. a musical instrument composed of a set of graduated, revolving glass bowls, the rims of which are moistened and set in vibration by friction from the fingertips.
Show More

Origin of glass harmonica

First recorded in 1905–10
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for glass harmonica

Historical Examples

  • The glass-harmonica is evidently hurtful to the health of the performer.

    Musical Myths and Facts, Volume II (of 2)

    Carl Engel

British Dictionary definitions for glass harmonica

glass harmonica

noun
  1. a musical instrument of the 18th century consisting of a set of glass bowls of graduated pitches, played by rubbing the fingers over the moistened rims or by a keyboard mechanismSometimes shortened to: harmonica Also called: musical glasses
Show More
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