theremin

[ther-uh-min]

noun

1. a musical instrument with electronic tone generation, the pitch and tone volume being controlled by the distance between the player's hands and two metal rods serving as antennas.

theremin

/ ˈθɛrəmɪn /

noun

1. an electronic musical instrument, played by moving the hands through electromagnetic fields created by two metal rods

Other Word Forms

• thereminist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of theremin¹

First recorded in 1925–30; named after Leo Theremin (1896–1993), Russian inventor

Word History and Origins

Origin of theremin¹

C20: named after Leon Theremin (1896-1993), Russian scientist who invented it

Example Sentences

Let’s think about the terrifying theremin line that snakes through “Good Vibrations” like it’s tugging a flying saucer down onto Dockweiler Beach.

From Los Angeles Times

When your theremin gets staticky, someone at Equinox probably can fix it.

From Seattle Times

She has several musical saws of different makes, lengths, widths and tapering and also owns a theremin, an electronic musical instrument.

From Seattle Times

They chatted about theremins for a bit and then more broadly about music.

From Washington Post

He employs the theremin to provide an offbeat score.

From Salon