- Cymbal
- Cymbal Cym"bal (s?m"bal). n. [OE. cimbale, simbale, OF.
cimbale, F. cymbale, L. cymbalum, fr. Gr. ky`mbalon, fr.
ky`mbh, ky`mbos, anything hollow, hollow vessel, basin, akin
to Skr. kubha pot. Cf. {Chime}.]
1. A musical instrument used by the ancients. It is supposed
to have been similar to the modern kettle drum, though
perhaps smaller.
[1913 Webster]
2. A musical instrument of brass, shaped like a circular dish or a flat plate, with a handle at the back; -- used in pairs to produce a sharp ringing sound by clashing them together. [1913 Webster]
Note: In orchestras, one cymbal is commonly attached to the bass drum, and the other heid in the drummer's left hand, while his right hand uses the drumstick. [1913 Webster]
3. A musical instrument used by gypsies and others, made of steel wire, in a triangular form, on which are movable rings. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.