Word
accordion
Phoneticsac·cor·dion
US/əˈkɔɹdiən/
UK/ɐkˈɔːdiən/
Definitions
01musical instrument
n. a box-shaped musical instrument that you play by pulling and pushing its sides while pressing keys or buttons.
n. a portable wind instrument consisting of two reed organs connected by folding bellows, played by compressing and expanding the bellows while operating keys or buttons.
“The street performer played a lively folk song on his accordion.”
“The traditional folk ensemble featured a virtuoso accordion player whose rapid bellows work provided a rhythmic foundation for the entire performance.”
Synonyms
02computing interface
n. a list on a website where you can click items to show or hide more information.
n. a graphical control element comprising a vertically stacked list of items that can be expanded or collapsed to reveal associated content.
“The FAQ page uses an accordion to keep the layout clean and organized.”
“Implementing an accordion for the mobile navigation menu significantly improved the user experience by reducing vertical scrolling requirements.”
Technical
Synonyms
03to fold or collapse
v. to fold up or crush together like the middle part of an accordion.
v. to fold, crush, or collapse in a manner resembling the pleats of an accordion bellows.
“The front of the car accordioned when it hit the wall.”
“The impact was so severe that the metal body of the trailer accordioned, trapping the cargo within the compressed steel folds.”
Literary
Usage
Often used as an intransitive verb to describe physical objects collapsing under pressure.
Real-World Examples
“The book includes references to Gilbert and Sullivan, opera, music hall, banjos, bagpipes and accordions.” Etymology
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/accordion