membranophone

[mem-brey-nuh-fohn]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

any musical instrument, as a drum, in which the sound is produced by striking, rubbing, or blowing against a membrane stretched over a frame.

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Other Word Forms

membranophonic adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of membranophone¹

First recorded in 1935–40; membrane + -o- + -phone

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

To find out more about these abilities, we gave captive orangutans at the Indianapolis Zoo the opportunity to play a membranophone — a class of musical instrument that includes the kazoo.

From

membrane transport membranous

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