cymbal
UK[ˈsɪmb(ə)l]US[ˈsɪmb(ə)l]
n
A musical instrument consisting of a slightly concave round brass plate which is either struck against another one or hit with a stick to make a ringing, clashing, or crashing sound.
Etymology
The word "cymbal" has a journey that traces back to the ancient Mediterranean world. It entered English via Old French cimbale and Latin cymbalum, which borrowed it from the Greek kymbalon. The Greek term is a diminutive of kymbē, signifying a hollow vessel or cup, a shape directly reflected in the instrument's slightly concave, bowl-like form. This etymological path elegantly illustrates how the core concept of a resonant, hollow object has remained central from its Greek origins, describing a drinking cup, to its modern English usage, denoting a specific musical percussion instrument.
Analysis
The entire word "cymbal" functions as a simplex unit in English. It originates from the Latin word cymbalum, itself borrowed from the Greek kymbalon, meaning a type of percussion instrument. The Greek term is derived from kymbē, meaning a hollow vessel, bowl, or cup.
Examples
The drummer crashed the cymbals together to accentuate the climax of the song.
A gentle tap on the ride cymbal provided a steady, shimmering rhythm.
Ancient Egyptian art often depicts dancers and musicians playing tambourines and cymbals.