noun
reed
A thin vibrating strip that produces a wind instrument's tone.
The clarinet's reed vibrates as she blows into the mouthpiece.
Etymology
The plant-name transferred to a thin strip traditionally cut from cane. Its vibration supplies the sound in instruments such as the clarinet.
More examples
- He replaces the cracked reed before the concert.
- An oboe's double reed needs careful handling.
- The reeds enter softly after the brass finishes.
Forms
reed · reeds
reedy adjective — Having a thin tone resembling a reed instrument.