Standard Lemma guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
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noun
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.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: violoncello
Antonyms: none provided
noun
cellophane
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: uncountable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
a large stringed instrument; seated player holds it upright while playing
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: violoncello
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: bowed stringed instrument, string
History
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).
Shortening of cellophane.
Across languages
114 source translations are retained for this English entry.
