Definition

Noun: A tone arm is a mechanical device, typically found on a record player or turntable. It is a lightweight, balanced arm that holds the cartridge (which contains the stylus or needle) and allows it to track the grooves of a vinyl record.

Usage

The tone arm is a critical component for playing vinyl records. It must be carefully balanced and adjusted so the stylus applies the correct pressure to the record's surface without causing damage. - The turntable's tone arm was not properly calibrated, causing the record to skip. - He gently lowered the tone arm onto the spinning vinyl.

Advanced Usage

• "To cue the tone arm": This means to lift and position the arm over a specific track on the record before lowering it.
  • Use the lever to cue the tone arm at the beginning of the third song.

Variants and Related Words

• Tonearm: A common single-word variant spelling.
• Pickup arm: A synonym for tone arm.
• Cartridge: The component held by the tone arm that converts the physical vibrations from the record groove into an electrical signal.
• Stylus: The needle, part of the cartridge, that physically touches the record groove.

Synonyms

• Pickup arm
• Record arm

Related Phrases

• Tone arm rest: The holder or stand where the tone arm is placed when not in use.
  • Always return the tone arm to its rest after playing a record.
• Automatic tone arm: A tone arm that can automatically lift and return to its rest at the end of a record.

Noun

1. mechanical device consisting of a light balanced arm that carries the cartridge