'glass harmonica' definitions:

Definition of 'glass harmonica'

From: GCIDE
  • Harmonica \Har*mon"i*ca\ (-[i^]*k[.a]), n. [Fem. fr. L. harmonicus harmonic. See Harmonic, n. ]
  • 1. A musical instrument, consisting of a series of hemispherical glasses which, by touching the edges with the dampened finger, give forth the tones; it is now called the glass harmonica, to distinguish it from the common harmonica, formerly called the harmonicon. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. A toy instrument of strips of glass or metal hung on two tapes, and struck with hammers. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. A small wind musical instrument shaped like a flat bar with holes along the thin edges, held in the hand and producing notes from multiple vibrating reeds arranged inside along its length; it was formerly called the harmonicon. See harmonicon. [PJC]