castanets

Thân thiện

A dancer holds castanets in each hand and clicks them to the music.

Definition

Noun: A percussion instrument consisting of a pair of hollow, shell-shaped pieces of wood, ivory, or plastic. They are held in the hand and clicked together rhythmically, traditionally used to accompany Spanish and other folk dances.

Usage

The word "castanets" is a plural noun and is always used with a plural verb. It refers to the instrument as a pair. * The flamenco dancer's castanets provided a sharp, rhythmic counterpoint to the guitar. * These castanets are made of high-quality rosewood.

Examples

• The sound of castanets is iconic in Spanish music.
• She practiced for hours to master the complex rhythms on her castanets.
• The musician demonstrated how to hold the castanets correctly between the fingers.

Advanced Usage

• "To play the castanets": This is the standard phrase for performing with this instrument.
  • She learned to play the castanets during her time in Seville.

Variants and Related Words

• Castanet (singular, rarely used): Refers to one of the two pieces that make up the instrument.
  • One castanet is usually slightly higher in pitch than the other.
• Clappers: A more general term for percussion instruments consisting of two solid pieces struck together.

Synonyms

• Clackers
• Rhythm bones (a related folk instrument)

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "The click of castanets": A phrase often used to evoke the sound and atmosphere of Spanish dance.
  • The party came alive with the strum of guitars and the click of castanets.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a percussion instrument consisting of a pair of hollow pieces of wood or bone (usually held between the thumb and fingers) that are made to click together (as by Spanish dancers) in rhythm with the dance

Từ đồng nghĩa

• bones
• clappers
• finger cymbals