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ophicleide

(äf′i klīd′)

noun

an early brass instrument consisting of a long tube doubled back on itself, with keys for fingering

Origin: Fr ophicléide < Gr ophis (see ophiolatry) + kleis, a key: for IE base see lot

See ophicleide in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A keyed brass instrument of the bugle family with a baritone range that was the structural precursor of the bass saxophone and was replaced by the tuba in orchestras.

Origin:

Origin: French

Origin: : Greek ophis, snake (from its resemblance to the serpent, a musical instrument)

Origin: + Greek klēis, klēid-, key

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