GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English
last match results
Found 2 definitions
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Harmonica (-ĭ‑kȧ), n. [Fem. fr. L. harmonicus harmonic. See Harmonic, n. ]
1. A musical instrument, consisting of a series of hemispherical glasses which, by touching the edges with the dampened finger, give forth the tones; it is now called the glass harmonica, to distinguish it from the common harmonica, formerly called the harmonicon.
[1913 Webster]
2. A toy instrument of strips of glass or metal hung on two tapes, and struck with hammers.
[1913 Webster]
3. A small wind musical instrument shaped like a flat bar with holes along the thin edges, held in the hand and producing notes from multiple vibrating reeds arranged inside along its length; it was formerly called the harmonicon. See harmonicon.
[PJC]
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Harmonicon (-ĭ‑kŏn), n. A small, flat, wind instrument of music, in which the notes are produced by the vibration of free metallic reeds; it is now called the harmonica.
[1913 Webster +PJC]