saxophone

[sak-suh-fohn] /ˈsæk səˌfoʊn/
noun
1.
a musical wind instrument consisting of a conical, usually brass tube with keys or valves and a mouthpiece with one reed.
Origin
1850-55; Sax (see saxhorn) + -o- + -phone
Related forms
saxophonic
[sak-suh-fon-ik] /ˌsæk səˈfɒn ɪk/ (Show IPA), adjective
saxophonist, noun
British Dictionary definitions for saxophones

saxophone

/ˈsæksəˌfəʊn/
noun
1.
a keyed wind instrument of mellow tone colour, used mainly in jazz and dance music. It is made in various sizes, has a conical bore, and a single reed Often shortened to sax
Derived Forms
saxophonic (ˌsæksəˈfɒnɪk) adjective
saxophonist (sækˈsɒfənɪst) noun
Word Origin
C19: named after Adolphe Sax (1814–94), Belgian musical-instrument maker, who invented it (1846)
Word Origin and History for saxophones

saxophone

n.

1851, from French saxophone, named for Antoine Joseph "Adolphe" Sax (1814-1894), Belgian instrument maker who devised it c.1840, + Greek -phonos "voiced, sounding." His father, Charles Joseph (1791-1865) invented the less popular saxhorn (1845). The surname is a spelling variant of Sachs, Sacks, literally "Saxon." Related: Saxophonist.

saxophones in Culture

saxophone definition


A wind instrument classified as a woodwind because it is played with a reed, although it is usually made of metal. Saxophones appear mainly in jazz, dance, and military bands. They are made in several ranges, from soprano to bass.