violin

 
Pronunciation: /vʌɪəˈlɪn, ˈvʌɪəlɪn/

noun

  • a stringed musical instrument of treble pitch, played with a horsehair bow. The classical European violin was developed in the 16th century. It has four strings and a body of characteristic rounded shape, narrowed at the middle and with two f-shaped soundholes.

Derivatives

violinist

noun

Origin:

late 16th century: from Italian violino, diminutive of viola (see viola1)