soundboard

[ sound-bawrd ]

noun

1. an electronic device used for monitoring, blending, fading, substitution, etc., of sounds from various sources; mixer.
2. 1. a thin, resonant piece of wood forming part of a musical instrument, placed to enhance the power and quality of the instrument's sound.
   2. a structure over or behind and above an area where someone or something makes sound, intended to direct the sound usually away from the person or thing.
   3. a board used in floors, partitions, etc., for quieting sound.
3. a person or group that responds to and helps evaluate proposed ideas, methods, etc., for their effectiveness or value.
4. a person or group that comes up with and spreads ideas, opinions, etc.

verb (used with or without object)

1. to propose ideas, methods, etc., to a person or group to help evaluate the effectiveness or value of those ideas, methods, etc.:

   It's good to have someone to soundboard off of when you're first starting a business.

   If we don't soundboard our ideas, we may miss important details.

Word History and Origins

Origin of soundboard¹

First recorded in 1495–1505; sound ¹ + board

Example Sentences

The soundboard, which the violinist holds, takes the vibration of the strings and projects it out as sound.

From Popular-Science

Figure 10 shows the layout of ribs, bridges, and strings on the soundboard.

From Project Gutenberg

The bridges served to direct the course of the strings and to conduct the sound waves to the soundboard.

From Project Gutenberg

Erard was the first to make it in two pieces of wood, generally sycamore, with the addition of a flat soundboard of Swiss pine.

From Project Gutenberg

Guitar or pizzicato notes are obtained by twanging the strings sharply at the lower end near the soundboard with the nails.

From Project Gutenberg

We now arrive at this joining of the wood for the soundboard, and the glue to be used must be of the best.

From Project Gutenberg