Clarion

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈklæ.ɹɪ.ən/

Definitions

1. A medieval brass trumpet known for its bright, piercing tone ; a loud and clear call that demands attention or action
2. A type of trumpet used historically to produce a sharp, high-pitched sound ; a clear and forceful summons or announcement that inspires urgency
3. An ancient wind instrument celebrated for its distinctive, shrill notes ; a compelling, unmistakable call that encourages immediate response

Etymology: The clarion was a real instrument: a trumpet with a narrow tube and a shrill, piercing sound, used to carry signals over distance. The name came into English from Old French "claron", which in turn came from Medieval Latin "clario", both ultimately from the Latin "clarus", meaning clear, loud or distinct. So the instrument was named for the quality of its sound, and the sense of clear, carrying noise passed from the trumpet to the word itself. The adjective developed from the noun used attributively, so a clarion call was originally a call sounded on a clarion. A verb, "clarioun" in Middle English, meant to blow or sound a horn in this way. The shift from the instrument to the adjective "very clearly audible" followed naturally, since the trumpet was prized for being heard far off.

Synonyms: clear, loud, shrill, ringing, trumpet-like

Antonyms: muffled, quiet, soft, dull, faint