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Glite Dictionary
vibraharp

vibraharp

9.9
A percussion instrument with metal bars and rotating disks in the boxes that make a soft vibrating sound
  • noun
  • /ˈvaɪbrəˌhɑrp/
  • Specialized
translation icon : vibráfono
  • She decided to learn the vibraharp because of its unique shimmering sound.

Examples

  • The vibraharp produces a unique sound.

  • The jazz musician played a mesmerizing solo on the vibraharp during the concert.

  • Many orchestras now include the vibraharp in their percussion section for modern compositions.

  • She played the vibraharp beautifully.

  • The musician played a beautiful melody on the vibraharp, filling the room with rich vibrato sounds.

  • In the band, the vibraharp added a unique texture to the music, enhancing the overall performance.

  • During the concert, the vibraharp stood out, its metal bars resonating with a warm, echoing tone.

Synonyms

vibraphone
vsvibraharp
2 9.1

A musical instrument like a xylophone with metal bars that make a soft ringing sound when they vibrate

is an alternative name for the same instrument
vibes
vsvibraharp
  • Jargon
1 8.5

A musical instrument with metal bars that makes a soft, ringing sound when hit

is the full standard name rather than the informal short form

How Resonant

vibraharp
  • Specialized
9.9
marimba
4 8.1
glockenspiel
5 8.2
xylophone
7 5.3

Surface Forms

vibraharp singular
vibraharps plural

Morphology

vibraharp = vibraphone (semi-transparent) = vibra + harp

The term 'vibraharp' combines 'vibra' and 'harp', but the specific meaning as a percussion instrument is not immediately obvious from the components.

Etymology

The word vibraharp combines vibra- (from 'vibrate' or 'vibrato', meaning 'to shake' or 'a shaking sound') and harp (the familiar string instrument). That's why a vibraharp is an instrument with metal bars whose sound seems to 'shake' or shimmer, giving it a vibrating, harp-like tone.