WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Cym"bal (sm"bal). n.
Etymology : [OE. cimbale, simbale, OF. cimbale, F. cymbale, L. cymbalum, fr. Gr. kubha pot. Cf. Chime.]
Definition : 1. A musical instrument used by the ancients. It is supposed to have been similar to the modern kettle drum, though perhaps smaller.

2. A musical instrument of brass, shaped like a circular dish or a flat plate, with a handle at the back; -- used in pairs to produce a sharp ringing sound by clashing them together.

Note: In orchestras, one cymbal is commonly attached to the bass drum, and the other heid in the drummer's left hand, while his right hand uses the drumstick.

3. A musical instrument used by gypsies and others, made of steel wire, in a triangular form, on which are movable rings.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913