Cym″bal (sĭm″bal). n. [OE. cimbale, simbale, OF. cimbale, F. cymbale, L. cymbalum, fr. Gr. κύμβαλον, fr. κύμβη, κύμβοσ, anything hollow, hollow vessel, basin, akin to Skr. kumbha pot. Cf. Chime.] 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.
☞ 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.