Meanings
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1
noun
a small transverse flute pitched an octave above the standard concert flute, with a bright, penetrating sound
The piccolo carried the melody above the full brass section.
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2
noun
an organ stop intended to imitate the high tone of a piccolo
The organist added the piccolo stop to brighten the final variation.
Thesaurus
Etymology
Borrowed in the nineteenth century from Italian piccolo, 'small,' shortened from flauto piccolo, 'small flute.' The instrument sounds an octave above its written notes and occupies the highest regular register of the orchestral woodwinds.