cello

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A large unfretted stringed instrument of the violin family with four strings tuned (lowest to highest) C-G-D-A and an endpin to support its weight, usually played with a bow.
noun
  1. cellophane

Pronunciation

/ˈtʃɛləʊ/ /ˈt͡ʃɛloʊ/ En-us-cello.ogg /ˈsɛləʊ/ /ˈsɛloʊ/

Word forms

cello cellos celli 'cello

Etymology

Clipping of violoncello, the original name, from Italian violoncello (“little violone”), from violone (“an early form of the double bass”) + -cello (“-elle”, forming diminutives), violone (“big viola”) itself being derived from viola + -one (“-oon”, forming augmentatives).

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