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tenor clef

American  

noun

Music.
  1. a sign locating middle C on the next to the top line of the staff.


tenor clef British  

noun

  1. the clef that establishes middle C as being on the fourth line of the staff, used for the writing of music for the bassoon, cello, or tenor trombone See also C clef

"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

Etymology

Origin of tenor clef

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The tenor clef is also frequently used in orchestral works.

From Project Gutenberg

In four instances, the original used a C clef centered on the third space to notate a vocal tenor clef.

From Project Gutenberg

All the other parts are to be read as printed, proper attention being given to the alto and tenor clefs used in the parts of the trombones and violas.

From Project Gutenberg

Exit whistling in the tenor clef; and keeping their hearts up, like a man.

From Project Gutenberg

These have been transcribed using a modern vocal tenor clef.

From Project Gutenberg