wurlitzer
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Proper noun:
- A surname of German origin: Specifically refers to Rudolph Wurlitzer, a businessman who founded a company known for manufacturing musical instruments, particularly pipe organs and later, jukeboxes.
- The company founded by Rudolph Wurlitzer: Refers to the Wurlitzer Company, an American manufacturer famous for its pipe organs, pianos, and jukeboxes.
Usage Examples
- Proper noun (referring to the person):
- The pipe organ was built by Wurlitzer. (This credits the founder's company, using the name to refer to its products.)
- Proper noun (referring to the company or its products):
- They restored a vintage Wurlitzer jukebox. (Here, 'Wurlitzer' refers to a product manufactured by the company.)
- The theater installed a magnificent Wurlitzer organ for silent film accompaniments. (This uses the name to specify the type and brand of the instrument.)
Advanced Usage
- "A Wurlitzer": Commonly used as a generic reference to a specific style of theater organ or a classic jukebox manufactured by the Wurlitzer company.
- The bar's centerpiece was an original 1946 Wurlitzer. (This implies a jukebox without needing the word 'jukebox'.)
- Used attributively to describe products or styles associated with the brand.
- He specializes in Wurlitzer repair. (The noun is used adjectivally to specify the type of repair work.)
Variants and Related Words
- Wurlitzer electric piano (n): A specific model of electric piano produced by the Wurlitzer company in the mid-20th century.
- The distinctive sound of the Wurlitzer electric piano is heard on many classic rock records.
- Wurlitzer organ (n): Often used to specify the pipe or theater organs made by the company.
- The Wurlitzer organ rose to prominence in movie palaces.
Synonyms
- Manufacturer: (when referring to the company's role) maker, producer.
- Jukebox: (when referring to the product) nickelodeon (historical), music box.
- Theater organ: (when referring to the product) pipe organ, cinema organ.
Related Phrases
- "Like a Wurlitzer": An informal phrase sometimes used to describe something that is flashy, elaborate, or reminiscent of the ornate style of Wurlitzer theater organs.
- The new casino's lighting was like a Wurlitzer—bright and full of changing colors.
Notes on Meaning
- The primary meaning is as a proper noun referring to a specific family name and the business empire associated with it.
- In common usage, especially in American English, "a Wurlitzer" most frequently evokes the image of either a classic jukebox or a large theater organ, due to the company's historic dominance in those markets. It is a brand name that has become strongly associated with the product itself.
Noun
- United States businessman (born in German) who founded a company to make pipe organs (1831-1914)