clarion

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   brilliantly clear, loud, and commanding, especially of a voice, sound, or appeal

   Her clarion warning carried across the crowded square.

2. 2
   noun

   a medieval trumpet with a narrow tube and a high, clear tone, or a sound resembling it

   The distant clarion sounded above the noise of the advancing troops.

From Middle English clarion and Old French clarion, from Medieval Latin clario ("trumpet"), based on Latin clarus ("clear, audible, or loud"). The adjective arose from attributive use of the instrument's name and its penetrating tone.

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