ophicleide

noun

ophi·​cleide

ˈäfəˌklīd,

ˈōf-

plural -s

1

: a deep-toned brass wind musical instrument of the key bugle class, consisting of a large tapering tube bent double and provided with finger keys

2

: a powerful organ reed stop of 8-foot or 16-foot pitch

ophicleidean

¦⸗⸗¦klīdēən

adjective

Word History

Etymology

French ophicléide, from ophi- + Greek kleid-, kleis key

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!