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 fordef 2; synthesize + -er ¹

Example Sentences

One of Wise’s most stunning compositions, “Forest Interlude,” began as an attempt to recreate the hypnotic synthesizer sounds of Duran Duran’s “Save a Prayer.”

From New York Times

But for the time being, I bought him a pocket synthesizer to mess around with.

From New York Times

Another was Yoasobi, a Japanese music duo that includes Vocaloid technology, or singing voice synthesizer software, and is attracting global fans.

From Seattle Times

Band members say they try to embrace the multiple meanings one can draw from a word in the language in its sound, whether through the driving drums and cymbals or the synthesizer backing the guitars.

From Seattle Times

Among glacially paced synthesizers and gentle percussion, she describes the sensory overload of working in a flower shop, and daydreaming about someone special when business is light.

From New York Times