Tuba

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈtjuː.bə/

Definitions

1. A large brass wind instrument known for its substantial size and resonant low tones, frequently utilized in various musical ensembles
2. This coiled brass instrument produces deep tonal qualities and is commonly featured in orchestras and marching bands
3. A sizable brass instrument designed to produce rich, deep sounds, often played in concert bands and orchestras throughout diverse music genres

Etymology: The instrument's name is a Latin word with a much older life than the brass horn it now names. In ancient Rome, "tuba" was a straight bronze trumpet used in the army and at religious ceremonies, and a Roman mosaic from roughly the 4th century shows one held nearly as tall as its player. Its ultimate origin is obscure, though it may be connected to "tibia", meaning shinbone or reed-pipe. The modern instrument came much later. English borrowed the word in the 19th century from French, German, or Italian, where it had been used for the large bass brass instruments that were developed in that period. German makers had called the bass version "Baß-Tuba", literally "bass tuba", and the shorter name followed.

Synonyms: brass instrument