How Do You Spell CURTAL?

Pronunciation: [kˈɜːtə͡l] (IPA)

Curtal is a word that often confuses people when it comes to its spelling. It is pronounced /ˈkɜːt(ə)l/ and derives from the Old French word "courtauld", which means "shortened". The spelling of the word might seem unusual, but its origin explains why it is spelled this way. The "-al" ending is typical of many French-derived words, and the "t" in "curtal" represents the "d" sound in the original French word. So, even though it might look odd, the spelling of "curtal" makes sense when you consider its etymology.

CURTAL Meaning and Definition

1. The term "curtal" carries multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used. As a noun, "curtal" refers to a musical instrument, particularly a type of medieval or Renaissance bass instrument. It is also known as "curtal pipe" or "dulcian". The curtal is essentially a double reed woodwind instrument, resembling a wooden pipe with finger holes, which produces a rich and deep sound.

   As an adjective, "curtal" is primarily associated with the word "curtail", which means to cut short or reduce in length. Therefore, when something is described as "curtal", it implies that it has been shortened or limited in some way.

   For instance, in literature, a "curtal sonnet" refers to a poetic form that follows a shortened variation of the traditional sonnet structure. A curtal sonnet typically consists of 11 lines instead of the usual 14, providing a condensed version of the original structure.

   In general usage, "curtal" is also used in British and Irish English to describe dogs with docked tails. The term "curtal dog" refers to a canine breed that has had its tail surgically removed or naturally lacks a tail.

   Overall, whether referring to a musical instrument, poetic form, or dog breed, "curtal" commonly suggests a reduction or shortening of some kind.

2. • Same as curtail, which see.

   • Brief; abridged.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for CURTAL

• xurtal
• vurtal
• furtal
• durtal
• cyrtal
• chrtal
• cjrtal
• cirtal
• c8rtal
• c7rtal
• cuetal
• cudtal
• cuftal
• cuttal
• cu5tal
• cu4tal
• curfal
• curgal
• curyal

Etymology of CURTAL

The word "curtal" has an interesting etymology. It comes from the Old French word "curtel", which meant a short coat or tunic. The Old French term itself derived from the Latin word "curtus", meaning short or truncates.

Over time, the meaning of "curtal" expanded to include a type of hunting dog with a docked tail, as well as a shortened or truncated musical instrument called the "curtal" or "bassoon". This is because the bassoon was originally made shorter than its predecessor, the dulcian, hence the name "curtal" or "short".

Therefore, the etymology of the word "curtal" can be traced back to the Latin adjective "curtus", meaning short or truncated, giving rise to the Old French term "curtel", and eventually leading to its various English meanings.

Similar spelling words for CURTAL

• curtail,
• curtly,
• curtilage.

Plural form of CURTAL is CURTALS