basses

Noun (1)

bass (plural basses)

1. A low spectrum of sound tones.
   • Peter adjusted the equalizer on his audio equipment to emphasize the bass.
2. A section of a musical group that produces low-pitched sound, lower than the baritone and tenor.
   • The conductor preferred to situate the bass in the middle rear, rather than to one side of the orchestra.
3. One who sings in the bass range.
   • Halfway through middle school, Edgar morphed from a soprano to a bass, much to the amazement and amusement of his fellow choristers.

   Synonyms:

   basso

4. An instrument that plays in the bass range, in particular a bass guitar, double bass, electric bass, or bass synthesiser.
   • The musician swung the bass over his head like an axe and smashed it into the amplifier, creating a discordant howl of noise.
5. (music notation) The clef sign that indicates that the pitch of the notes is below middle C.
   • The score had been written without the treble and bass, but it was easy to pick out which was which based on the location of the notes on the staff.

   Synonyms:

   bass clef, F clef

Noun (2)

bass (countable and uncountable, plural basses or bass)

1. The perch; any of various marine and freshwater fish resembling the perch, all within the order of Perciformes.

See all 18 meanings of bass