Stringed: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• Originates from the Old English word 'string', meaning a thin piece of material capable of being stretched.
• The term 'stringed' entered usage around the 1600s to describe instruments that produce sound through vibrating strings.

Music

• Stringed instruments include violins, guitars, cellos, and harps, each producing sound through different techniques, such as plucking or bowing.
• The tension and thickness of the strings influence the pitch; tighter or thinner strings create higher notes, while looser or thicker ones create lower sounds.

Cultural Significance

• In many cultures, stringed instruments are integral to traditional music, often used in ceremonies and storytelling.
• The guitar, a prominent stringed instrument, has variations worldwide, including flamenco in Spain and folk music guitars in America.

Science

• The physics of string vibration is crucial; sound waves travel through the air when the strings vibrate, creating musical tones.
• Different materials (like steel or nylon) used for strings affect the quality and timbre of the sound produced by the instrument.

Literature

• Stringed instruments are often depicted in literature as symbols of harmony, creativity, and emotion.
• In works like 'The Play of Daniel' from the medieval period, stringed instruments play a key role in the religious and artistic expression of the time.

Positioned at #23,638, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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