ˈmänəˌkȯrd, -ȯ(ə)d noun
Etymology: Middle English monocorde, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin monochordum, from Greek monochordon, from mon- + -chordon -chord
1. : an instrument of ancient origin for measuring and demonstrating the mathematical relations of musical tones that consists of a single string stretched over a sounding board and a movable bridge set on a graduated scale — called also sonometer
2. : an instrument of the late middle ages similar to the single-string monochord but having added strings for sounding chords
3. : trumpet marine