synthesizer

American  

[sin-thuh-sahy-zer] / ˈsɪn θəˌsaɪ zər /

noun

1. a person or thing that synthesizes.

2. any of various electronic, sometimes portable consoles or modules, usually computerized, for creating, modifying, and combining tones or reproducing the sounds of musical instruments by controlling voltage patterns, operated by means of keyboards, joysticks, sliders, or knobs.

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synthesizer British  

/ ˈsɪnθɪˌsaɪzə /

noun

1. an electrophonic instrument, usually operated by means of a keyboard and pedals, in which sounds are produced by voltage-controlled oscillators, filters, and amplifiers, with an envelope generator module that controls attack, decay, sustain, and release

2. a person or thing that synthesizes

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Etymology

Origin of synthesizer

First recorded in 1865–70; 1905–10 synthesizer for def. 2; synthesize + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Expansive vocal backgrounds were blended with a pronounced bass, synthesizers, chattering horns and pounding drums.

From The Wall Street Journal

He eventually sold his analog kit and synthesizers when he switched to Ableton.

From Los Angeles Times

Even so, there was no budget left for the music, Franglen had to borrow equipment and instruments from the manufacturers, and the majority of the score was recorded on synthesizers in a rented apartment.

From BBC

While on tracks like “Harry Stamper” and “Sábanas,” he embraces whimsical synthesizers and staccato vocal patterns to create a mystical soundscape.

From Los Angeles Times

The British singer and his band trade instruments with a sense of ease — splitting their time among a cello, keyboards, synthesizers, a drum machine, electric and acoustic guitars.

From Los Angeles Times