monochord: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Historical
Quick answer
What does “monochord” mean?
A musical instrument or scientific device consisting of a single string stretched over a soundboard, used historically for tuning and demonstrating musical intervals.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A musical instrument or scientific device consisting of a single string stretched over a soundboard, used historically for tuning and demonstrating musical intervals.
In modern contexts, can refer to any single-stringed instrument or a synthesizer patch producing a single, sustained drone tone. Also used metaphorically to describe something unified or singular in nature.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to be encountered in British texts on early music or the history of science.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “monochord” in a Sentence
The [adjective] monochord was used for [purpose].He demonstrated [concept] using a monochord.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “monochord” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb use]
American English
- [No standard verb use]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb use]
American English
- [No standard adverb use]
adjective
British English
- The piece had a monochord quality, relying on a single persistent note.
American English
- His monochord approach to management lacked flexibility.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical musicology, physics of sound, and history of science.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only be used by musicians or historians in specific discussion.
Technical
Primary context. Refers to the specific instrument for demonstrating musical intervals and acoustical principles.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “monochord”
- Misspelling as 'monocord'.
- Using it as a general term for any string instrument.
- Pronouncing the 'ch' as /tʃ/ (like in 'church') instead of /k/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A monochord has only one string and is primarily a scientific or historical instrument, not a modern performance instrument like a guitar.
Not in the conventional sense. Its single string is typically used to produce a fundamental pitch and its harmonics, not melodies. It is more for demonstration or creating drone effects.
No, it is a very low-frequency, specialised term used mainly in academic fields like music history, acoustics, and the history of science.
They are essentially the same device. 'Sonometer' is a more modern, scientific name for the instrument used in physics labs, while 'monochord' is the historical term.
A musical instrument or scientific device consisting of a single string stretched over a soundboard, used historically for tuning and demonstrating musical intervals.
Monochord is usually technical/historical in register.
Monochord: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɒn.əʊ.kɔːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɑː.nə.kɔːrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MONO' (one) + 'CHORD' (string) = a ONE-STRING instrument.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNITY IS A SINGLE STRING (e.g., 'The theory provided a monochord for all his arguments').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a traditional monochord?