Definition

A percussion instrument consisting of a series of wooden bars of graduated lengths arranged in order, struck with mallets to produce tones; used in orchestras and many world music traditions.

Example Usage

The young musician's bright xylophone solo captivated the audience.

Origin

From Greek 'xylo-' (wood) and 'phone' (sound), literally meaning 'wood sound' or 'wood voice.'

Fun Fact

Xylophones are thought to have originated in Asia, with evidence of similar instruments dating back thousands of years in Indonesia and Africa.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

Related Terms

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