The word "gong" is spelled with four letters - G, O, N, and G. It is pronounced as /ɡɑːŋ/, with a voiced velar stop at the beginning, followed by a long vowel sound, and ending with a velar nasal consonant. The word originated from Southeast Asia and is often used in music to produce a deep resonant sound. The phonetic transcription accurately represents the pronunciation of the word, making it easier for non-native English speakers to learn and understand the word.
A gong is a percussive musical instrument typically made of a flat, circular metal plate suspended from a frame and is played by striking it with a mallet or hammer. It is characterized by its resonant and deep tone that reverberates and sustains after being struck.
Gongs have a long history and are found in various cultures around the world, primarily in East and Southeast Asia. They are often used in religious ceremonies, music ensembles, theaters, and orchestras for their unique sound qualities.
Gongs vary in size, ranging from small handheld ones to large, imposing ones that require multiple people to play. The size and thickness of the metal plate contribute to the tone and timbre of the gong.
In addition to their musical applications, gongs are also used for meditation and healing purposes. The prolonged vibrations and harmonics produced by the gong are believed to induce relaxation, balance energy, and promote overall well-being.
The term "gong" can also be used metaphorically to describe a loud, sudden noise or an attention-grabbing event. For example, one might say that a loud gong sounded to announce the start of an important event. In this context, it represents a sound or action that captures immediate attention or startles individuals.
A Chinese musical instr. of a circular shape, like the lid of a pot or caldron, and beaten with a stick like a drum; a metal drum.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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The word "gong" originated from the Malay word "gangga" or "gung", which means "brass". It made its way into English via Javanese and Dutch influences. The word refers specifically to a type of large, flat, metallic percussion instrument that produces a resonant sound when struck.