idiophone
Definition
- Noun: An idiophone is a musical instrument that produces sound primarily by the vibration of the instrument itself, without the use of strings, membranes, or external air columns. The material of the instrument (such as wood, metal, or stone) is the primary source of the sound.
Usage Examples
- (A percussion instrument where the bars themselves produce the sound.)
- (Instruments that produce sound through their own material vibration.)
- (A percussion instrument where the wooden bars act as the sound source.)
Advanced Usage
"Percussion idiophone": a subtype of idiophone that is struck to produce sound, such as a gong or triangle.
- The triangle is a simple percussion idiophone that adds a bright, ringing tone to music. (A struck metal idiophone.)
"Shaken idiophone": an idiophone that produces sound when shaken, such as a maraca or rattle.
- The maraca is a shaken idiophone filled with seeds or beads that rattle inside. (A shaking action creates the sound.)
Variants and Related Words
Idiophonic (adj): relating to or characteristic of an idiophone.
- The idiophonic quality of the steel drum makes it distinct from string instruments. (Describing the sound-producing nature of the instrument.)
Idiophony (n): the property or method of sound production in idiophones.
- The study of idiophony explores how materials vibrate to create musical tones. (The phenomenon of sound from the instrument's own body.)
Synonyms
- Self-sounding instrument: a general term for instruments that produce sound from their own material.
- Percussion instrument: a broader category that includes idiophones, but also membranophones (like drums).
Phrasal Verbs
Related Idioms