bebung

noun

be·​bung
ˈbā-(ˌ)bu̇ŋ
plural bebungen
ˈbā-(ˌ)bu̇ŋ-ən
: a tremolo effect that is similar in sound to a violin vibrato and is produced on the clavichord by sustaining a varying pressure on the key after striking a note

Word History

Etymology

German, literally, trembling, from beben to tremble (from Old High German bibēn) + -ung -ing (from Old High German -unga); akin to Old English bifian to tremble, Old Norse bifa, Latin foedus ugly, Greek pithēkos ape, Sanskrit bhayate he is afraid; basic meaning: fearing

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Cite this Entry

“Bebung.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bebung. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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