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Glite Dictionary
bass horn

bass horn

7.0
A brass instrument with a very low sound used in orchestras and bands
  • noun
  • /beɪs hɔrn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : tuba
  • The orchestra added a bass horn to enrich the depth of its sound.

Examples

  • Some composers write specific parts for the bass horn in their musical scores.

  • He learned to play the bass horn for the school's marching band.

  • The bass horn adds depth to the orchestra.

  • Have you ever heard a bass horn solo?

  • He learned to play the bass horn for the school's marching band.

  • Some composers write specific parts for the bass horn in their musical scores.

  • The orchestra added a bass horn to enrich the depth of its sound.

Synonyms

bass
vsbass horn
115 4.1

An instrument with a low sound that plays the lowest part in a band

is specific to the brass family and its lowest pitch not any family
tuba
vsbass horn
20 3.7

A large metal wind instrument with a deep low sound

is the general lowest-pitched brass family member rather than a specific orchestral instrument
sousaphone
vsbass horn
2 9.2

A large brass instrument like a tuba that wraps around the player to make it easy to carry while marching

is the general lowest brass family instrument used in orchestras and bands not marching
bombardon
vsbass horn
  • Archaic
9.9

A large brass instrument that plays very low notes in a band or orchestra

is the general lowest member of the brass family rather than any bass role

How Low

bass horn
  • Specialized
7.0
euphonium
1 9.8
trombone
31 3.0
trumpet
125 2.5

Surface Forms

bass horn singular
bass horns plural

Morphology

bass + horn

The meaning 'a low-pitched brass instrument' is directly and compositionally derived from 'bass' (low-pitched/low-range) + 'horn' (a brass wind instrument). This regular noun–noun compounding pattern (descriptor + instrument type) is cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Bass horn comes from the words bass, meaning 'low' or 'deep' sound, and horn, an older name for a metal instrument you blow into. The name describes a horn that plays the lowest musical part, so today bass horn means a horn with the deepest sound in its group.