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Staves: meaning, definitions and examples

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staves

 

[stævz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

music notation

Staves are sets of five horizontal lines and four spaces that represent different musical pitches. Each line and space corresponds to a specific note, allowing musicians to read and write music. They are essential for the notation of musical compositions.

Synonyms

lines, music staff, notation lines, staff.

Examples of usage

  • The song was written on staves.
  • A treble clef is usually placed at the beginning of the staves.
  • The composer filled the staves with notes.
  • To play the piece, you must read the notes on the staves.
Context #2 | Noun

barrel construction

Staves refer to the narrow pieces of wood that are used to make barrels and casks. They are curved and assembled to create the walls of the container, which are then held together by hoops. This construction is important for aging and storing liquids such as wine and whiskey.

Synonyms

barrel sides, planks, wood pieces.

Examples of usage

  • The staves of the barrel were crafted from oak.
  • He carefully inspected the staves for any signs of damage.
  • The cooper arranged the staves before tightening the hoops.
  • New staves were needed to repair the aging cask.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'stave' originates from Old English 'stæf', meaning a stick or staff.
  • In early English, 'staves' was the plural form, referencing multiple sticks or staffs.
  • The term has been used since the 14th century to describe both musical staves and wooden rods.

Music

  • In music, staves are typically five horizontal lines used to indicate pitch and rhythm.
  • Various clefs, like the treble and bass clef, are placed at the beginning of a staff to denote the pitch of the notes.
  • A grand staff combines both the treble and bass clef staves, commonly used for piano music.

Literature

  • In literature, 'stave' can refer to a verse or stanza in a poem or song, emphasizing its connection to rhythm.
  • Charles Dickens used the term 'stave' in 'A Christmas Carol', referring to the chapters of the book as staves.
  • The poetic use of staves demonstrates the structural and rhythmic qualities found in literary works.

Mythology

  • In various mythologies, staves are often depicted as magical wands or sticks wielded by gods or wizards.
  • In Norse myths, Staves of Druidic wisdom were said to channel knowledge from nature.
  • Celtic traditions also celebrate staves, believing they could connect the physical world with the spirit realm.

Culture

  • In some cultures, staves were used in rituals or ceremonies, symbolizing strength and guidance.
  • Traditional music practices around the world often utilize specific types of staves to express cultural sounds and stories.
  • Wooden staves have also been crafted into instruments, linking their physical form with musical expression.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,339, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.