ophicleide

American  

[of-i-klahyd] / ˈɒf ɪˌklaɪd /

noun

1. a musical wind instrument, a development of the old wooden serpent, consisting of a conical metal tube bent double.

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ophicleide British  

/ ˈɒfɪˌklaɪd /

noun

1. music an obsolete keyed wind instrument of bass pitch

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Other Word Forms

• ophicleidean adjective

Etymology

Origin of ophicleide

1825–35; < French ophicléide < Greek óphi ( s ) serpent + kleid- (stem of kleís ) key (akin to Latin clavis; see clavicle)

Example Sentences

The historically informed performance movement has reintroduced instruments like the serpent and ophicleide: brass instruments that add wonky color rather than sheer decibels to fortissimo outbursts.

From New York Times • Apr. 17, 2020

Some have since gone extinct, like the serpent and the ophicleide, precursors of the tuba that look like plumbing designed by Dalí.

From New York Times • Oct. 16, 2018

On 18th century natural horns and trumpets, on the serpent and the ophicleide?

From Time Magazine Archive

The wooden serpent has gone out of use in military bands within recollection, the ophicleide from orchestras only recently.

From Scientific American Supplement No. 819, September 12, 1891 by Various

“Is that the ophicleide as thy father used to play at th’ owd church?”

From Clayhanger by Bennett, Arnold