Euphon

/ˈjuːfɑːn/ noun

Definition

A musical instrument of the brass family, similar to a baritone, with a deep mellow tone.

Etymology

From Greek 'eu-' (good) + 'phone' (sound). This compound directly references the 'good sound' the instrument produces. It's a 19th-century coinage from the period of brass instrument invention and naming.

Kelly Says

The euphon is named exactly for what it does—it produces good, pleasant sounds—which shows that musical instrument makers were as enthusiastic about euphemism as anyone, giving their instruments optimistic names that promised beauty and warmth.

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