reed

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Music Technical

n. a thin piece of wood or metal in instruments like the saxophone that vibrates to make sound when you blow.

n. a thin strip of cane, wood, or metal within the mouthpiece of certain aerophones that vibrates to produce a musical tone.

“The clarinet player had to wet his reed before the concert started.”

“Professional oboists often spend hours meticulously carving their own double reeds to achieve a specific tonal quality and resistance.”

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Architecture Technical

n. dried stalks of water plants used to make traditional roofs for houses.

n. stems of aquatic plants harvested and prepared for use as a durable, water-resistant roofing material.

“The old cottage still has a roof made of river reed.”

“While straw is a common choice for thatching, water reed is often preferred for its superior longevity and resistance to rot in damp climates.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Technology Technical

n. a part of a weaving machine that looks like a comb and keeps the threads in place.

n. a comb-like attachment in a loom used to separate warp threads and beat the weft into place.

“The weaver carefully pushed the reed forward to tighten the fabric.”

“The density of the finished textile is determined by the spacing of the dents within the reed of the loom.”

C2 · Proficiency Architecture Technical

v. to cover a roof with dried plants.

v. to perform the act of covering a structure with reed or similar plant material.

“It took the workers three days to reed the entire cottage roof.”

“The artisan was commissioned to reed the heritage building using traditional methods to ensure historical accuracy.”