[sim-buh
l] 
| a concave plate of brass or bronze that produces a sharp, ringing sound when struck: played either in pairs, by being struck together, or singly, by being struck with a drumstick or the like. |
| cym·bal (sĭm'bəl) n. A percussion instrument consisting of a concave brass plate that makes a loud clashing tone when hit with a drumstick or when used in pairs. [Middle English, from Old English and from Old French cymbale, both from Latin cymbalum, from Greek kumbalon, from kumbē, bowl.] cym'bal·eer' (sĭm'bə-lîr'), cym'bal·er, cym'bal·ist n. |
A large, round metal plate used as a percussion instrument. Cymbals can be crashed together in pairs or struck singly with a drumstick, and they are used in dance bands, jazz bands, and orchestras.