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

---

Etymology

Origin of tenor clef

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

The young workman grinned: "Soyons de notre siecle," said he, and departed whistling in the tenor clef.

From Hard Cash by Reade, Charles

The tenor clef is also frequently used in orchestral works.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 3, Part 1, Slice 3 "Banks" to "Bassoon" by Various

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

From Hard Cash by Reade, Charles

These have been transcribed using a modern vocal tenor clef.

From The Head Voice and Other Problems Practical Talks on Singing by Clippinger, D. A. (David Alva)

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

From The Head Voice and Other Problems Practical Talks on Singing by Clippinger, D. A. (David Alva)