zill

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zill

 (zĭl)
n.
One of a pair of round metal cymbals attached to the fingers and struck together for rhythm and percussion in belly dancing.

[Turkish zil, cymbals, probably (perhaps via Armenian zil, highest-pitched pair of strings on an oud) from Persian zīr, highest-pitched pair of strings on an oud, shrill sound, probably from Arabizing alteration of Persian zēr, under, below (in reference to the fact that when a player holds an oud to be played, the bottom pair of strings is tuned the highest), from Middle Persian azēr, under, below : az, from, out of (from Old Iranian hačā; see sekw- in Indo-European roots) + ēr, down, below (from Old Iranian aδara-, lower; see n̥dher- in Indo-European roots).]
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

zill

(zɪl)
n
1. (Instruments) a finger cymbal used to keep rhythm in belly-dancing
2. (Dancing) a finger cymbal used to keep rhythm in belly-dancing
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
Noun1.zill - one of a pair of small metallic cymbals worn on the thumb and middle fingerzill - one of a pair of small metallic cymbals worn on the thumb and middle finger; used in belly dancing in rhythm with the dance
cymbal - a percussion instrument consisting of a concave brass disk; makes a loud crashing sound when hit with a drumstick or when two are struck together
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
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References in periodicals archive ?
Musical instruments "zills" are also known by what name?
As Li Shurui recites the rules of their relationship, her Chinese subtitled in English, Li Daiguo performs a stilted dance while playing zills (finger cymbals).
Every prop, from a sword to the zills (finger cymbals), and every movement has a meaning and a cultural representation.