Clef: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŽผ
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clef

 

[ klษ›f ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

musical notation

A clef is a symbol used in musical notation to indicate the pitch of written notes. Different clefs are used for different ranges of pitches, and they are essential for reading and interpreting music accurately.

Synonyms

musical symbol, notation sign, pitch marker

Examples of usage

  • The treble clef is commonly used for higher-pitched instruments.
  • In the sheet music, the bass clef indicates notes for lower-range instruments.
  • The alto clef is primarily used by viola players.

Translations

Translations of the word "clef" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น clave

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เฅเคฒเคฟเคซเคผ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Schlรผssel

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ kunci

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบะปัŽั‡

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ klucz

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้ต

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท clรฉ

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ clave

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท anahtar

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์—ด์‡ 

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ูุชุงุญ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ klรญฤ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ kฤพรบฤ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้’ฅๅŒ™

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ kljuฤ

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ lykill

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบั–ะปั‚

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒญแƒ แƒ˜แƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ aรงar

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ clave

Word origin

The term 'clef' originates from the French word for 'key' which is 'clef', derived from the Latin 'clavis' meaning 'key'. The usage of clefs in music dates back to the medieval period when they were employed to notate vocal music. Over time, different types of clefs were developed, including the treble, bass, alto, and tenor clefs, each designed to accommodate different musical ranges. The development and standardization of clefs helped to create a clearer system for musicians to read and interpret musical scores. This evolution has been pivotal in the advancement of music notation, allowing composers to communicate their works more effectively.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,947, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.