string(s)

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string(s). The sound-producing agent of certain instr., i.e. thin strands of wire or gut vibrated on vn., va., vc., db., etc. by bow, on pf. by hammers, and on hpd., harp, guitar, etc. by plucking. But strings, meaning str. instr., is taken as referring in an orch. to the vns., vas., vcs., and dbs. A string orchestra comprises these only. A string quartet is 2 vn., va., vc.; string trio, vn., va., vc.