Violoncelli

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A string instrument of the cello family, typically played while seated and held between the knees
2. It has a deeper tone than the viola and is known for its melodic capabilities
3. Often used in orchestras and chamber music, this instrument is distinguished by its rich sound and versatile role in various musical compositions

Etymology: "Violoncelli" is simply the Italian-style plural of "violoncello," so the story belongs to that singular form. The instrument's name is a diminutive built from two older Italian words. "Violone" was an early form of the double bass, and its own name came from "viola" with the augmentative ending "-one," so "violone" meant something like "big viola." Adding the diminutive "-cello" to that produced "violoncello," literally "little violone." The irony is that the name describes a smaller instrument than its ancestor. The cello was named for a diminutive of the bass-sized violone, a bigger instrument, even though the cello itself is far smaller than a double bass. English borrowed the Italian term directly, and the plural keeps the Italian ending "-i," which is why the word is often seen in this form in orchestral and musical writing.