Embouchure

/ˌɑːmbuːˈʃʊr/ noun

Definition

The position and shape of a musician's lips on a wind instrument, or the mouth opening of a river where it enters the sea.

Etymology

From French 'embouchure,' from 'emboucher' (to put to the mouth), from 'em-' + 'bouche' (mouth), ultimately from Latin 'bucca.' The term originally referred to river outlets, then was adopted by musicians in the 18th century.

Kelly Says

Elite trumpet and flute players spend years perfecting their embouchure—tiny millimeter differences in lip tension can mean the difference between a concert hall performance and a squeak!

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