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kettledrum

Pronunciation:  'ketl`drum

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Matching Terms:  kettledrummer

WordNet Dictionary
 
 Definition: [n]  a large hemispherical brass or copper percussion instrument with a drumhead that can be tuned by adjusting the tension on it
 
 Synonyms: kettle, timpani, tympani, tympanum
 
 See Also: percussion instrument, percussive instrument

 

 

Webster's 1913 Dictionary
 
 Definition: 
\Ket"tle*drum`\ (-dr[u^]m`), n.
1. (Mus.) A drum made of thin copper in the form of a
   hemispherical kettle, with parchment stretched over the
   mouth of it.

Note: Kettledrums, in pairs, were formerly used in martial
      music for cavalry, but are now chiefly confined to
      orchestras, where they are called {tympani}.



2. An informal social party at which a light collation is
   offered, held in the afternoon or early evening. Cf.
   {Drum}, n., 4 and 5.

 
Thesaurus Terms
 
 Related Terms: bongo drum, conga, drum, drumhead, drumskin, drumstick, jazz stick, kettle, membranophone, side drum, snare, snare drum, tabor, taboret, tabret, tambourine, tam-tam, tenor drum, timbrel, timpani, tom-tom, troll-drum, tymp stick, tympan, tympanon, tympanum, war drum
 

 

 

 

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