metronome

[ me-truh-nohm ]
See synonyms for metronome on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. a mechanical or electrical instrument that makes repeated clicking sounds at an adjustable pace, used for marking rhythm, especially in practicing music.

Origin of metronome

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

Other words from metronome

  • met·ro·nom·ic [me-truh-nom-ik], /ˌmɛ trəˈnɒm ɪk/, met·ro·nom·i·cal, adjective
  • met·ro·nom·i·cal·ly, adverb

Words Nearby metronome

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use metronome in a sentence

  • So still was the place that the caged cricket hanging from the eaves of Um's distant room beat time like an elfin metronome.

    The Dragon Painter | Mary McNeil Fenollosa
  • It is another question whether we can by this means attain the necessary universal use of the metronome.

  • When I 'go into training,' I find the best means to attain velocity is to work with the metronome.

    Piano Mastery | Harriette Brower
  • One can't jump at once into the necessary agility, and the metronome is a great help in bringing one up to the right pitch.

    Piano Mastery | Harriette Brower
  • As for the metronome, I approve of it to cultivate the sense of rhythm in those who are lacking in this particular sense.

    Piano Mastery | Harriette Brower

British Dictionary definitions for metronome

metronome

/ (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

Origin of metronome

1
C19: from Greek metron measure + nomos rule, law

Derived forms of metronome

  • metronomic (ˌmɛtrəˈnɒmɪk), adjective

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