ˈban(ˌ)jō, -aan-, in S often -_jə noun
( plural banjos also banjoes )
Etymology: probably of African origin; akin to Kimbundu mbanza, a similar stringed instrument
1.
a. : a musical instrument of the guitar class with a long narrow fretted neck and small drumlike body and usually five strings plucked or strummed with the fingers
b. : a banjo with a larger body and four wire strings played usually with a pick — called also tenor banjo
2. : banjo signal
3. : something bearing some resemblance to a banjo in shape: as
a. : a miner's shovel
b. : a working device for the placer mining of tin
c. : a transmission housing of a certain design
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