monochord

views updated May 23 2018

monochord (Gr.). One string.

1. Scientific instr. consisting of soundbox over which is stretched a single string which can be divided at any point by a movable bridge, the position of which can be exactly determined by scale of measurements on the surface across which it moves. By altering the ratios in which the str. is vibrating, different notes of the harmonic series may be prod. Used in Ancient Egypt and Ancient Gr. and is still used by modern acousticians.

2. In later medieval times, monochords were made with 2 or 3 str., capable of emitting intervals and chords. These were ancestors of clavichord, sometimes called in It. monocordo.