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bass1 definition

bass (bās)

noun

  1. the range of the lowest male voice, usually from middle C to two or more octaves below
    1. a voice or singer with such a range
    2. an instrument with a similar range within its family; specif., a double bass
    3. a part for such a voice or instrument
  3. a low, deep sound or tone, as of a voice with this range
  4. in four-part harmony, the lowest part
  5. the lower part of the audio-frequency band in sound reproduction

Etymology: ME bas, base; sp. infl. by It basso

adjective

of, for, or having the range of a bass
bass2 definition

bass (bas)

noun pl. bass or basses bass′es

any of various families of spiny-finned percoid, food and game fishes of fresh or salt water, including black bass, rock bass, and striped bass

Etymology: ME bas, earlier baers < OE bærs < IE *bhors-, point, bristle (in reference to the dorsal fins) < base *bhar- > bur

bass3 definition

bass (bas)

noun

  1. bast
  2. basswood

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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