Definition

1. Noun:
   • A brass musical instrument: A cornet is a brass wind instrument characterized by its conical bore, three valves, and a flared bell. It produces a mellow, brilliant tone and is similar to but distinct from the trumpet.

Usage

• The cornet is commonly used in brass bands, concert bands, and certain jazz ensembles.
• It is played by blowing air through the mouthpiece and pressing the valves to change the pitch.

Examples

• Noun:
  • He practiced the cornet for two hours every day.
  • The brass band featured a beautiful solo by the cornet player.
  • The cornet's sound is often described as warmer and more lyrical than a trumpet's.

Advanced Usage

• "Cornet à pistons": A full, technical name for the modern valved cornet, derived from French.
  • The museum displayed a historic cornet à pistons from the 19th century.

Variants and Related Words

• Cornett (Noun): A Renaissance-era woodwind instrument with a cup-shaped mouthpiece, not to be confused with the modern brass cornet.
• Cornetist (Noun): A person who plays the cornet.
  • The famous cornetist led the New Orleans-style jazz band.

Synonyms

• Brass instrument: A general term for instruments like the trumpet, trombone, and cornet.
• Wind instrument: A broader category including woodwinds and brass.

Related Idioms or Phrases

• "To toot one's own horn": While not specific to the cornet, this idiom about self-promotion uses the general imagery of a brass instrument.
  • He's always tooting his own horn about his accomplishments.

Noun

1. a brass musical instrument with a brilliant tone; has a narrow tube and a flared bell and is played by means of valves