Stringed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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stringed

[หˆstrษชล‹d ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

musical instruments

The term 'stringed' refers to instruments that produce sound by vibrating strings. This category includes the violin, guitar, harp, and piano, among others. Stringed instruments can be played by plucking, bowing, or striking the strings. They are essential in many music genres, including classical, folk, and rock.

Synonyms

bowed, chordophone, plucked.

Examples of usage

  • The stringed instruments in the orchestra created a beautiful harmony.
  • He specializes in playing stringed instruments like the guitar and violin.
  • Many stringed instruments have been used for centuries in traditional music.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'stringed'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'stringed' comes from the Old English word 'streng', which means 'string'. It is derived from the Proto-Germanic '*strangwaz', which relates to the concept of something being tight or stretched out. The use of strings to create music dates back to ancient civilizations, where early stringed instruments were made from materials like animal gut or plant fibers. Over time, the design and construction of stringed instruments evolved, leading to the variety of instruments we have today. The association of 'stringed' with music is well-established, reflecting both the historical significance and the cultural importance of these instruments throughout human history.


Word Frequency Rank

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.