cymbal

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a round, slightly hollow metal percussion instrument that is struck with a stick or against another cymbal

   The drummer ended the piece with a loud crash of the cymbals.

Simplified etymology

Cymbal comes through Latin cymbalum from Greek kumbalon, which derives from kumbē, “cup,” a reference to the instrument’s shape. The modern initial “s” sound reflects French influence; the corresponding Old English form cimbal began with a “ch” sound.

From Middle English cymbal, through Old English and Old French forms from Latin cymbalum, itself from Greek kymbalon. The Greek word is related to kymbē ('bowl'), referring to the instrument's shallow, concave shape.

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External links

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