temple block

noun

1
: a percussion instrument used in East Asian Buddhist ceremonies consisting of a hollow, slotted, ornately carved wooden block that is struck with a beater
2
: a related instrument either bulbous or boxlike in shape used in sets in Western classical and popular music
usually used in plural

called also Chinese block, Chinese temple block

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of temple block was in 1924

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Cite this Entry

“Temple block.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/temple%20block. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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