membranophone

[mem-brey-nuh-fohn]

noun

1. any musical instrument, as a drum, in which the sound is produced by striking, rubbing, or blowing against a membrane stretched over a frame.

Other Word Forms

• membranophonic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of membranophone¹

First recorded in 1935–40; membrane + -o- + -phone

Example Sentences

To find out more about these abilities, we gave captive orangutans at the Indianapolis Zoo the opportunity to play a membranophone — a class of musical instrument that includes the kazoo.

Read more on Washington Post