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sounding board

 - 2 dictionary results

sounding board

–noun
1. a thin, resonant plate of wood forming part of a musical instrument, and so placed as to enhance the power and quality of the tone.
2. a structure over or behind and above a speaker, orchestra, etc., to reflect the sound toward the audience.
3. a board used in floors, partitions, etc., for deadening sound.
4. a person or persons whose reactions serve as a measure of the effectiveness of the methods, ideas, etc., put forth.
5. a person or group that propagates ideas, opinions, etc.: He was more of a sounding board than a novelist.
Also called soundboard.


Origin:
1760–70
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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sounding board  
n.  
  1. Music

    1. A thin board forming the upper portion of the resonant chamber in an instrument, such as a violin or piano, and serving to increase resonance.

    2. A structure placed behind or over a podium or platform to reflect music or a speaker's voice to an audience. Also called soundboard.

  2. A person or group whose reactions to an idea, opinion, or point of view serve as a measure of its effectiveness or acceptability.

  3. A device or means serving to spread or popularize an idea or a point of view.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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