ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hammond

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈhæmənd// ham·mond

n. a famous type of electric organ that uses spinning metal discs to create sound. You often hear its warm, rich tone in jazz, blues, and rock music.

n. an electric organ that generates sound through electromagnetic induction using rotating metal tonewheels. Often used as a modifier before 'organ' or 'player'; frequently associated with the Leslie speaker for its characteristic vibrato.


SIMPLE

The band's sound is defined by the warm growl of the Hammond.

CONTEXTUAL

The studio session required a vintage Hammond to capture the authentic soul sound of the late sixties.

COMPLEX

While digital synthesizers can approximate the harmonics, many purists insist that the mechanical imperfections of a genuine Hammond remain essential for a truly resonant jazz performance.

Origin

A patronymic surname from the Anglo-Norman given name Hamo, Hamon, from Germanic names beginning with a derivative of Proto-Germanic haimaz (“home”), such as descendants of Haimarīks (“Henry”). The river in New Brunswick is named after British politician and colonial governor Sir Andrew Hamond, 1st Baronet (1738 - 1828). The civil parish is named after a settlement, named in turn after the river.

Usage

Often used as a proper noun or a modifier (e.g., 'a Hammond organ').

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