SOURDINE


Meaning of SOURDINE in English

ˈsu̇(ə)rˌdēn,  ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ noun

( -s )

Etymology: French, from Italian sordina, sordino, from sordo silent, dull-sounding, deaf (from Latin surdus ) + -ina, -ino (diminutive suffixes) — more at surd

1. : any of several obsolete musical instruments distinguished by their low or soft tone: as

a. : a trumpet used in giving soldiers the signal to march

b. : spinet

2. : mute II 3

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.