hand organ
Definition
Noun: A hand organ is a mechanical musical instrument that produces music when a person turns a crank. This rotation causes a cylinder fitted with raised pins or pegs to move. The pins pluck a series of tuned metal teeth or combs, creating the notes of a melody.
Usage
The term "hand organ" specifically refers to the portable, crank-operated instrument, often associated with street musicians in historical contexts. - The sound of the hand organ filled the narrow street. - A street performer played tunes on a hand organ for the crowd.
Advanced Usage
- Historical Context: The hand organ was a common sight in 19th and early 20th-century European and American cities, often played by organ grinders to entertain passersby for coins.
- In the painting, an organ grinder with a monkey operates his hand organ on the corner.
Variants and Related Words
- Barrel Organ: A closely related term, often used interchangeably with "hand organ," though it can sometimes refer to larger, non-portable instruments.
- Hurdy-Gurdy: A different stringed musical instrument also played with a crank, sometimes confused with a hand organ. The hand organ is a wind/percussion instrument, while the hurdy-gurdy produces sound with a rosined wheel rubbing against strings.
Synonyms
- Barrel organ
- Grinder (informal, referring to the instrument by the player's name)
- Street organ
Related Idioms or Phrases
No common idioms are directly formed from the term "hand organ."
Noun
-
a musical instrument that makes music by rotation of a cylinder studded with pegs
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
