marimba
UK[məˈrɪmbə]US[məˈrɪmbə]
n
a musical instrument like a xylophone but with a lower range of notes, consisting of a set of wooden bars played with mallets.
Etymology
the word 'marimba' entered english in the early 18th century from portuguese, which borrowed it from the bantu languages of africa, likely kimbundu or a related language. the term is believed to be derived from a bantu root element 'rimba' meaning 'xylophone', combined with the prefix 'ma-', which often denotes a plural form or an abstract concept. the instrument itself, a resonated wooden-key percussion instrument, is indigenous to africa and was later developed in the americas, particularly central america. the journey of the word reflects the cultural transmission of the instrument from africa to the western world, where it retained its original name as a distinctive label.
Analysis
this word is a loanword adopted as a single, unanalyzable unit in english.
Examples
the vibrant, resonant sound of the marimba filled the concert hall.
she practiced complex melodic passages on the marimba for hours each day.
the ensemble featured a solo for marimba accompanied by strings.