grammophone
Definition
Noun: - A type of record player: "grammophone" refers to an early form of sound-reproducing machine that plays records by using a needle to trace grooves on a rotating disc, typically with an acoustic horn for amplification. It was a precursor to modern turntables and record players.
Usage Examples
- (An early record player with a needle and horn.)
- (A historical device for playing recorded sound.)
Advanced Usage
"grammophone record": a disc-shaped medium for storing audio recordings, played on a grammophone.
- He carefully cleaned the grammophone record before placing it on the turntable. (A vinyl or shellac disc designed for early record players.)
"grammophone horn": the flared part of a grammophone that amplifies sound.
- The brass grammophone horn was polished to a bright shine. (The acoustic amplifier attached to the machine.)
Variants and Related Words
Gramophone (n): a common alternative spelling for "grammophone"; both refer to the same device.
- She inherited an antique gramophone from her great-aunt. (Synonymous with grammophone.)
Phonograph (n): another term for a grammophone, especially in American English, often used interchangeably.
- Thomas Edison's phonograph was an early predecessor of the grammophone. (A similar sound-reproducing device.)
Synonyms
- Record player: a modern term for a device that plays vinyl records.
- Turntable: a more contemporary device for playing records, often used by DJs.
Related Idioms
- "Put a record on the grammophone": an old-fashioned expression meaning to start playing recorded music.
- Let's put a record on the grammophone and listen to some jazz. (Play music on an early record player.)