ENGLISH
REFERENCE

accordion

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //əˈkɔɹdiən// UK //ɐkˈɔːdiən// ac·cor·dion

n. a box-shaped musical instrument that you play by pulling and pushing its sides. It has keys or buttons on the ends and makes sound by blowing air through metal strips inside.

n. a portable wind instrument consisting of two reed organs connected by a folding bellows. Sound is produced by air pressure forcing metal reeds to vibrate as the player manipulates the bellows and operates keys or buttons.


SIMPLE

He plays the accordion in a local folk band.

CONTEXTUAL

The street performer squeezed his accordion, filling the square with a lively traditional melody that made people stop and dance.

COMPLEX

While often associated with European folk traditions, the accordion has been integrated into diverse genres ranging from Argentine tango to contemporary avant-garde compositions due to its unique bellows-driven dynamics.

Origin

First attested in 1831. From German Akkordeon, from Akkord (“harmony”), from French accord, from Old French acorder, based on Italian accordare (“to tune”). See also accord.

Usage

Often used with the verb 'play' or 'squeeze'.

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