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sharp

sharp

31 6.8
A musical sign that makes a note one semitone higher
  • noun
  • /ʃɑrp/
  • Specialized
translation icon : sostenido
  • The easiest songs for beginning guitarists feature key signatures with sharps: G, D, A, and E major.
  • sharps and flats
  • key signature with sharps
  • signature with sharps

Well, we have notes BF sharp, BD sharp.

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Examples

  • The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimates that there are around 100,000 sharps injuries each year.

    Academic text (2014)
  • So flats are below, sharps take you up a half step.

  • Well, we have notes BF sharp, BD sharp.

  • F# major chord, C#, F# A sharp and FGC.

  • Issues with blood-borne disease make it essential that sharps be disposed of in a safe manner.

    Academic text (2001)
  • Report all needlestick and other sharps-related injuries promptly to ensure that you receive appropriate follow-up care.

    Academic text (2000)
  • All scalpels and razor blades were managed as biohazardous sharps by 72 percent of institutions.

    Academic text (2003)
  • In the key of G major, the note F is played as sharp to create a higher pitch.

  • The teacher explained how to read sharps in the musical score during class.

  • During the performance, the band played several songs that included sharps in their key signatures.

Idioms

sharp as a tack
  • Informal
5 6.7

Able to understand new things very quickly

Exactly at three o'clock

A joking way to say something is very unpleasant or painful

Fails to make a strong point because it is dull and weak

Very clear and exact so there is no doubt

9.3

A person who is not smart and is slow to understand things

Compounds

14 2.5

Pointed teeth that cut or pierce food, for example in sharks

10 3.3

A sudden strong feeling of hurt in one small part of the body

8 4.1

Able to cut very easily with a thin hard edge, like a knife

5 3.8

A quick, clear way of thinking that helps solve problems

4 6.1

A habit of speaking in a harsh, critical way

3 4.2

Very clear and exact so you can see every small detail

3 4.1

Able to see small things and notice small changes quickly

2 4.1

To make quick, clever, funny comments that amuse people

card sharp
  • Informal
1 9.3

A person who cheats at card games to win money

sharp cookie
  • Informal
1 5.6

A clever person who understands things quickly

1 6.0

The pointed, dangerous part of a thing or the most risky part of a situation

1 3.3

A neat, stylish outfit that fits the body well

1 3.2

A sudden, strong, short pain like a small prick

double sharp
  • Specialized
9.1

A sign that tells you to play a note two piano keys higher

The pointed end of a stick that can cut or poke

A thing with pointed corners like a table or shelf that can hurt you

A clever joke that can sting someone's feelings

A quick clever reply that answers an insult or criticism

Able to hear very quiet sounds

6.6

A remark that is harsh and meant to hurt someone's feelings

Someone who acts in a pushy way to get ahead and promote their own interests

With a pointed nose or front, for example a plane

The ability to see small details clearly with the eyes

The ability to notice small details by paying attention

Having sharp, pointed teeth like a shark

Saying harsh words to criticize someone or something

Able to see small things very clearly

Quick to notice and understand small details

A large land bird with pointed tail feathers found in western prairies and open forests

A strong, slightly sour taste like in aged cheese or salad dressing

How Low

double flat
  • Specialized
8.4
flat
  • Specialized
45 6.9
natural
  • Specialized
28 5.8
sharp
  • Specialized
31 6.8
double sharp
  • Specialized
9.1

Surface Forms

sharp singular
sharps plural

Etymology

The noun sharp for the musical sign comes from the same idea of making a note 'sharper' or higher, so the sharp symbol tells the player to raise the pitch by one semitone.