Ophicleide
/ˈɒfɪklaɪd/noun
A large 19th-century keyed brass instrument with a curved, serpent-like body, now largely obsolete.
Did you know?Its name combines Greek óphis, “serpent,” with kleís, “key,” because its curved body resembled the ancient serpent instrument while its sound holes were controlled by keys.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₁ógʷʰis
“Snake or serpent; the ancient root behind Greek óphis.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
óphis
“Serpent or snake.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
kleís
“Key; a device for fastening or unlocking.”
1817
French
ophicléide
“A newly coined name for a keyed, serpent-shaped bass brass instrument.”
19th Century
English
ophicleide
“A large keyed brass instrument used in military and orchestral music.”
Modern English
English
ophicleide
“A historical brass instrument, largely replaced by the tuba.”