monochord

1 definition found

monochord - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Monochord \Mon"o*chord\, n. [L. monochordon, Gr. ?, fr. ? with
     but one string; ? only, single + ? string: cf. F. monocorde.
     See Chord, and cf. Mainchord.] (Mus.)
     An instrument for experimenting upon the mathematical
     relations of musical sounds. It consists of a single string
     stretched between two bridges, one or both of which are
     movable, and which stand upon a graduated rule for the
     purpose of readily changing and measuring the length of the
     part of the string between them.
     [1913 Webster]