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Glite Dictionary
sordino

sordino

9.9
A small piece you put on the bridge of a violin to make the sound softer
  • noun
  • /sɔrˈdiːnoʊ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : sordino
  • The violinist fitted a sordino before performing the softer section of the piece.

Examples

  • Using a sordino gives the instrument a much gentler and muted tone.

  • The violinist used a sordino to create a softer sound.

  • Please remember to bring your sordino to the orchestra rehearsal tonight.

  • Can you hear the difference when using a sordino?

  • The violinist fitted a sordino before performing the softer section of the piece.

  • Using a sordino gives the instrument a much gentler and muted tone.

  • Please remember to bring your sordino to the orchestra rehearsal tonight.

Synonyms

mute
vssordino
14 7.2

A small piece placed on a trumpet to make its sound quieter or different

is placed on string bridges to muffle and soften their sound
sourdine
vssordino
  • Specialized
9.9

A small piece you put on a violin to make its sound softer

is the specific foreign term for the same instrument accessory

How Muted

sordino
  • Specialized
9.9
mute
14 7.2

Surface Forms

sordino singular
sordinos plural

Etymology

The word sordino comes from the Italian sordo, which means 'deaf' or 'quiet', plus the small ending -ino, which means 'little'. So a sordino is like a 'little mute', and it is the small device you put on a violin to make the sound softer and more muted.