Clef

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Clef \Clef\ (kl[e^]f; 277), n. [F. clef key, a key in music, fr.
     L. clavis key. See {Clavicle}.] (Mus.)
     A character used in musical notation to determine the
     position and pitch of the scale as represented on the staff.
     [1913 Webster]
  


     Note: The clefs are three in number, called the C, F, and G
           clefs, and are probably corruptions or modifications of
           these letters. They indicate that the letters of
           absolute pitch belonging to the lines upon which they
           are placed, are respectively C, F, and G. The F or bass
           clef, and the G or treble clef, are fixed in their
           positions upon the staff. The C clef may have three
           positions. It may be placed upon the first or lower
           line of the staff, in which case it is called soprano
           clef, upon the third line, in which case it called alto
           clef, or upon the fourth line, in which case tenor
           clef. It rarely or never is placed upon the second
           line, except in ancient music. See other forms of C
           clef under C, 2.
           [1913 Webster]
  
     {Alto clef}, {Bass clef}. See under {Alto}, {Bass}.
        [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  clef
       n : a musical notation written on a staff indicating the pitch
           of the notes following it