mirliton

common noun

Syllable Decomposition

mirliton

Etymology

unknown. Attested since 1738 in the sense of "coin" and 1745 in the sense of "flute" and in 1845 in the sense of "pastry"

Definitions

1. A vibrating membrane covering a hole and set in motion by a breath or sound vibration, producing a nasal sound. musique: Il existe en effet, au fond des calebasses qui servent d'amplificateur aux lames du xylophones, un petit orifice recouvert par une membrane : le mirliton.

2. A very simple type of flute, made of a reed closed at both ends with an onion peel, a piece of parchment, paper, etc. By humming into the tube, this membrane is made to vibrate, transforming the voice into nasal sounds. musique: Jouer du mirliton.
Air de mirliton: refrain populaire.
Vers, poésie de mirliton: vers communs, mauvaise poésie, du genre de ce qui était inscrit sur les mirlitons.
Et la musique semblait faite pour sa voix faubourienne, une musique de mirliton.

3. A cream-filled puff pastry, elongated in shape, and originating from Rouen. pâtisserie

4. A railway signaling panel, used by the SNCF. ferroviaire

Plural

mirlitons

Translations

dutch:mistbaak

See also

mirlitonner (v.)