Atabals

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A percussion instrument consisting of a pair of small drums played with the hands or sticks, often used in traditional or military music
2. A set of two drums joined together, producing rhythmic sounds and commonly utilized in ceremonial or orchestral performances
3. A musical instrument made up of twin drums struck to create beats, frequently featured in folk or marching band contexts

Etymology: "Atabals" is simply the plural of "atabal," a small paired drum set. The singular came into English from Spanish "atabal," which in turn was borrowed from Arabic "aṭ-ṭabl," meaning "the drum," with the Arabic verb "ṭabala" meaning "to drum." The Arabic root is the same one behind relatives across Europe and beyond: "tabor," "tymbal," "tabla," and "davul." The Spanish word passed the Arabic definite article along with the noun, so the "al-" in "atabal" is the Arabic "al," meaning "the," still visible inside the borrowed word. Such pairs of drums are associated with traditions and military bands, the same settings where the instrument's English name first gained currency.

Synonyms: atabal, drum, percussion instrument