chalumeau
English
Etymology
Borrowed from French chalumeau, from Late Latin calamellus, diminutive of Latin calamus (“reed”), from Ancient Greek κάλαμος (kálamos, “reed”). Doublet of shawm and probably caramel.
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ˌʃælʊˈməʊ/
Noun
chalumeau (plural chalumeaus or chalumeaux)
- (music) A woodwind instrument which was the predecessor of the clarinet.
- The lowest range of the clarinet, reaching up to written B♭ (B flat) above middle C.
Translations
French
Etymology
Inherited from Old French chalemel, from Late Latin calamellus, diminutive of Latin calamus (“reed”), from Ancient Greek κάλαμος (kálamos, “reed”). Doublet of caramel.
Pronunciation
Noun
chalumeau m (plural chalumeaux)
- oxy-fuel torch (usually oxy-acetylene; used for cutting, welding, etc.)
- (music) chalumeau
- (perhaps dated) drinking straw
- Synonym: paille
Related terms
Descendants
Further reading
- “chalumeau”, in Trésor de la langue française informatisé [Digitized Treasury of the French Language], 2012.