GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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1.       
   Ophicleide (?), n. [F. ophicléide, fr. Gr. ὄφις a serpent + , gen. , a key. So named because it was in effect the serpent, an old musical instrument, with keys added.] (Mus.) A large brass wind instrument, formerly used in the orchestra and in military bands, having a loud tone, deep pitch, and a compass of three octaves; -- now generally supplanted by bass and contrabass tubas.  It developed from the older wooden instrument called the serpent.  Moore (Encyc. of Music).
   
   [1913 Webster +PJC]