Accorder

/əˈkɔrdər/ noun

Definition

A person who tunes musical instruments, especially stringed instruments.

Etymology

From accord (via French accorder 'to tune') plus -er (a suffix forming nouns meaning 'one who does'). The word evolved from the sense of 'bringing into accord' to mean someone who professionally does this tuning.

Kelly Says

In the 18th and 19th centuries, piano accorders were skilled craftspeople who were almost as important as builders—a well-tuned piano could make a mediocre performer sound decent, but a poorly tuned one ruined everything.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

The -er suffix historically defaults masculine; as a role noun (one who accords or tunes), it lacks gender-neutral standardization.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'person who accords/tunes' or specify role; if used, pair with pronouns or identifiers.

Inclusive Alternatives

["tuner","person who accords","accordionist"]

Related Words

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