chordophone

noun

chor·​do·​phone
ˈkȯrdəˌfōn
plural chordophones
: any of a class of musical instruments (such as a guitar or piano) whose sound is generated by plucking, bowing, or striking stretched strings : stringed instrument compare aerophone, electrophone, idiophone, lamellophone, membranophone
chordophonic
¦⸗⸗¦fänik
adjective

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary chord- + -phone

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chordophone was in 1927

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near chordophone

Cite this Entry

“Chordophone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chordophone. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!