The word "violin" is spelled with the letters V-I-O-L-I-N, and is pronounced /vaɪəlɪn/. The "V" sound is made by placing your top teeth on your bottom lip and exhaling air, while the "I" sound is pronounced like a long "E". The letter "O" in "violin" is pronounced like a short "I" and the "L" is pronounced with a light touch of the tongue on the roof of the mouth. The final "N" sound is made by closing the back of the throat and exhaling.
The violin is a stringed musical instrument that belongs to the family of string instruments, which also includes the viola, cello, and double bass. It features a hollow wooden body, usually made of spruce, with two f-shaped soundholes and long, elegant curved sides. The violin has four strings, typically tuned to G, D, A, and E in ascending order, and these strings are made of either gut, synthetic, or steel material. The instrument is played with a bow, which consists of a stick strung with horsehair, and the musician creates sound by drawing the bow across the strings.
The violin has a fingerboard, usually made of ebony, where the musician presses the strings down to alter the pitch and produce different notes. The strings are set into vibration by either plucking (pizzicato) or bowing, and this generates a rich, resonant sound. It is renowned for its versatility and vibrant tone qualities, making it a prominent instrument in classical music, as well as various other genres such as jazz, folk, and rock.
The violin has a long and storied history, dating back to the early 16th century. It has undergone various changes and improvements over the years, leading to its current design and sound. Through its expressive capabilities and melodic range, the violin has become one of the most beloved and iconic instruments worldwide, captivating audiences with its ability to convey emotions and tell stories through music.
A musical stringed instr. played with a bow; a fiddle.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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The word violin is derived from the Italian word violino, which means small viola or little viol. The term violino itself is a diminutive of viola, which is a generic term for a musical instrument played with a bow. The word viola can be traced back to the Latin word vitula or violetta, originally referring to a stringed instrument in ancient Rome. Over time, viola evolved to specifically denote a larger stringed instrument played with a bow, while the smaller instrument became known as violino or violin.