synthesizer

[sin-thuh-sahy-zer]

noun

1. a person or thing that synthesizes.

2. any of various electronic, sometimes portable consoles or modules, usually computerized, for creating, modifying, and combining tones or reproducing the sounds of musical instruments by controlling voltage patterns, operated by means of keyboards, joysticks, sliders, or knobs.

synthesizer

/ ˈsɪnθɪˌsaɪzə /

noun

1. an electrophonic instrument, usually operated by means of a keyboard and pedals, in which sounds are produced by voltage-controlled oscillators, filters, and amplifiers, with an envelope generator module that controls attack, decay, sustain, and release

2. a person or thing that synthesizes

Word History and Origins

Origin of synthesizer¹

First recorded in 1865–70; 1905–10 synthesizer for def. 2; synthesize + -er ¹

Example Sentences

As they run through a variety of songs on synthesizers and acoustic drums, the main question still to be answered is just how much of themselves to give.

From Los Angeles Times

By the early 1990s, when metal excess was at its peak, he emerged with the spiritual power ballad “Mama, I’m Coming Home” and the slick “No More Tears,” the latter kicking off with cavernous synthesizers.

From Salon

For the intro, I wanted to create maybe a Stanley Kubrick movie soundscape, but of course I didn’t have a symphony orchestra or synthesizers or any of that kind of stuff.

From Los Angeles Times

The band began to mix in synthesizers with the typical instrumentation, creating an unforgettable, hypnotic sound — every thump and woosh calls listeners to the dance floor and begs them to move.

From Los Angeles Times

I wouldn’t do the synthesizers on “Born Again” now.

From Los Angeles Times