lithophone

noun

lith·​o·​phone ˈli-thə-ˌfōn 

plural lithophones

: any of a class of percussion instruments (such as the qing) that are made of stone and whose sound is produced by striking

These ancient lithophones were clearly tuned by flaking and yield two sonorous pentatonic scales.

—Thomas D. Rossing, Science of Percussion Instruments, 2000

compare crystallophone, metallophone

lithophonic adjective

Word History

First Known Use

1977, in the meaning defined above

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