Definition

Noun: A piano accordion is a portable, box-shaped, free-reed musical instrument. Sound is produced when air from the bellows, controlled by the player, causes the reeds inside to vibrate. It is characterized by having a piano-style keyboard (typically for the right hand) to play melodies, and a set of buttons (typically for the left hand) to play bass notes and chords.

Usage

The term "piano accordion" is used to specify this common type of accordion, distinguishing it from other button-based accordions (like the chromatic or diatonic button accordion). It functions as a singular, countable noun.

Examples

• The street musician played a lively folk tune on his piano accordion.
• She is learning to play the piano accordion.
• The sound of a piano accordion is often associated with traditional European music.

Advanced Usage

• The instrument can be described in terms of its size, often by the number of bass buttons (e.g., a 48-bass piano accordion) or the number of keys on the treble keyboard.
• In orchestral or ensemble settings, a musician might be referred to as the piano accordionist.

Variants and Related Words

• Accordion (noun): The broader family of instruments to which the piano accordion belongs. While "accordion" is often used interchangeably with "piano accordion," it technically includes other types.
• Button Accordion (noun): A general term for accordions that use buttons instead of a piano keyboard for the melody side.
• Squeezebox (noun, informal): A colloquial term for any accordion.
• Accordionist (noun): A person who plays the accordion.

Synonyms

• Squeezebox (informal)
• Accordion (in general, non-specific usage)

Related Idioms or Phrases

• To pull out the (piano) accordion: To begin playing the instrument, often in a social setting.
  • At the party, someone pulled out a piano accordion and everyone started singing.

Noun

1. a portable box-shaped free-reed instrument; the reeds are made to vibrate by air from the bellows controlled by the player