Metronome: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ถ
metronome
[หmษtrษหnoสm ]
Definition
musical instrument
A metronome is a device used by musicians to help them play at a constant tempo by producing a regular ticking sound or flashing light. It typically has adjustable settings for tempo and time signature.
Synonyms
beat keeper, tempo device.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| metronome |
This is the most common term used to describe a device that musicians use to keep a steady tempo while practicing or performing. It is suitable for general and professional use.
|
| tempo device |
This is a more technical description and might be used when discussing various gadgets or tools in a broader sense. Suitable for contexts where specifying the type of device is important.
|
| beat keeper |
This term is less formal and might be used in a more casual or colloquial context. It implies any person or device that helps in keeping the beat in music.
|
Examples of usage
- The pianist used a metronome to practice her scales at a steady pace.
- The conductor set the metronome to 120 beats per minute for the orchestra.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Greek words 'metron', meaning 'measure', and 'nomos', meaning 'law', suggesting a device that helps measure time in music.
- The term was first used in the 19th century, reflecting the growing importance of rhythm in musical training.
Technology
- Early metronomes used a pendulum to keep time; modern versions can be digital, offering varying tempos and sounds.
- Some advanced metronomes include features like visual cues or the ability to change time signatures, aiding musicians in complex compositions.
Music Education
- Musicians often use metronomes during practice to develop a steady tempo and improve timing skills.
- In orchestral settings, conductors may use their own motions to serve a similar purpose, acting as a live metronome for the musicians.
Pop Culture
- The iconic sound of a metronome has been featured in various songs and media, often representing a ticking clock or the passage of time.
- Many famous musicians, including Beethoven and Chopin, reportedly used metronomes to achieve precision in their compositions.
Psychology
- Research shows that playing along with a metronome can improve a person's sense of timing and help with concentration.
- The repetitive sound of a metronome can also have a calming effect, aiding in focus during practice sessions or studying.
Translations
Translations of the word "metronome" in other languages:
๐ต๐น metrรดnomo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฎเฅเคเฅเคฐเฅเคจเฅเคฎ
๐ฉ๐ช Metronom
๐ฎ๐ฉ metronom
๐บ๐ฆ ะผะตััะพะฝะพะผ
๐ต๐ฑ metronom
๐ฏ๐ต ใกใใญใใผใ
๐ซ๐ท mรฉtronome
๐ช๐ธ mรฉtronome
๐น๐ท metronom
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ฉํธ๋ก๋
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ุชุฑูููู
๐จ๐ฟ metronom
๐ธ๐ฐ metronรณm
๐จ๐ณ ่ๆๅจ
๐ธ๐ฎ metronom
๐ฎ๐ธ mรฆlir
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะผะตััะพะฝะพะผ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแขแ แแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ metronom
๐ฒ๐ฝ metrรณnomo
Word Frequency Rank
At rank #29,740, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.
- ...
- 29737 gorgeously
- 29738 hurrah
- 29739 doctored
- 29740 metronome
- 29741 vaporize
- 29742 sauntering
- 29743 tucks
- ...