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fipple

fipple

9.9
A wooden piece that directs air in instruments like a recorder to make sound
  • noun
  • /ˈfɪpəl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : fipple
  • The fipple of the recorder directs the air, producing a clear sound when played.

Examples

  • To play the flute effectively, make sure the fipple is properly positioned.

  • At the heart of it all, the simple, side-by-side ripples—a flutist's fipple.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • He replaced the old fipple in his instrument to improve its tone and performance.

Synonyms

mouthpiece
vsfipple
3 3.8

The part of a wind instrument that you blow into

is a wooden plug that creates a narrow channel for the air

Compounds

fipple flute
  • Specialized
9.9

A simple wind instrument like a recorder that you blow into

fipple pipe
  • Specialized
9.9

A small wind instrument like a recorder with a mouthpiece you blow into

Surface Forms

fipple singular
fipples plural

Etymology

Fipple probably began as an imitation of a small sound like 'fip' and may be related to simple words like pipe. A helpful way to remember it is to think of the small plug that makes a recorder 'whistle' by directing the air, which is why a fipple is the mouthpiece plug that shapes the sound.