Buccina

/buˈtʃiːnə/ noun

Definition

A large curved brass trumpet used in ancient Rome for military signals and ceremonial occasions.

Etymology

From Latin buccina, possibly derived from bucca (cheek), referring to the instrument that uses the cheeks to produce sound. The word may also relate to Etruscan origins, as similar instruments were used by Etruscan peoples before Roman adoption.

Kelly Says

Roman soldiers could hear buccina calls from over a mile away across battlefields—it was basically the ancient military's walkie-talkie, and different call patterns meant different commands like 'retreat' or 'charge.'

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.