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Webster 1913 Edition

Monochord

Mon′o-chord

,
Noun.
[L.
monochordon
, Gr. [GREEK], fr. [GREEK] with but one string; [GREEK] only, single + [GREEK] string: cf. F.
monocorde
. See
Chord
, and cf.
Mainchord
.]
(Mus.)
An instrument for experimenting upon the mathematical relations of musical sounds. It consists of a single string stretched between two bridges, one or both of which are movable, and which stand upon a graduated rule for the purpose of readily changing and measuring the length of the part of the string between them.

Webster 1828 Edition

Monochord

MON'OCHORD

,
Noun.
[Gr. sole, only, and chord.] A musical instrument of one string. As its name imports, it had originally but one string; but it is generally constructed with two, by means of which the musician is better enabled to try the proportions of sounds and intervals, and judge of the harmony of two tempered notes.
In the proper sense of the word, a trumpet marine is considered a monochord.

Definition 2024

monochord

monochord

English

Noun

monochord ‎(plural monochords)

  1. A musical instrument for experimenting with the mathematical relations of musical sounds, consisting of a single string stretched between two bridges, one or both of which can be moved, and which stand upon a graduated rule for the purpose of changing and measuring the length of the part of the string between them.
    • 1840, Elijah Coleman Bridgman, Samuel Wells Williams, The Chinese Repository (page 40)
      If a musician were going to give a lecture upon the mathematical part of his art, he would find a very elegant substitute for the monochord in the Chinese kin.
  2. A stringed instrument with only one string.

Derived terms

Synonyms

  • kanon (used in the context of ancient Greek music)

Etymology

Latin monochordon. See chord.

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