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
- IPA(key): /ʃa.ly.mo/
Audio: (file)
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.