synthesizer

/ˌsɪnθəˈsaɪzər/

/ˈsɪnθɪsaɪzə/

Other forms: synthesizers

A synthesizer is a musical instrument that has a keyboard like a piano but can sound like just about any instrument in the world.

The usually small, modest keyboard of a synthesizer can be deceiving — it's not just an electronic piano. Synthesizers can mimic the sound of a saxophone, drums, hand claps, or even an orchestra's entire string section. Some synthesizers even let you play a recorded sound and then manipulate it so it sounds just the way you want it to. Synthesizer comes from synthesize, "combine two or more things," and its Greek root synthesis, "a putting together."

Definitions of synthesizer

1. noun

   (music) an electronic instrument (usually played with a keyboard) that generates and modifies sounds electronically and can imitate a variety of other musical instruments
   synonyms: synthesiser

   type of:

   electronic instrument, electronic musical instrument

   a musical instrument that generates sounds electronically

   keyboard instrument

   a musical instrument that is played by means of a keyboard
2. noun

   an intellectual who synthesizes or uses synthetic methods
   synonyms: synthesiser, synthesist

   type of:

   intellect, intellectual

   a person who uses the mind creatively