OPHICLEIDE

Oph″i‐cleide (?), n. [[F. ophicléide, fr. Gr. ὄφισ a serpent + �, gen. �, a key. So named because it was in effect the serpent, an old musical instrument, with keys added.]] (Mus.) A large brass wind instrument, formerly used in the orchestra and in military bands, having a loud tone, deep pitch, and a compass of three octaves; — now generally supplanted by bass and contrabass tubas. Moore (Encyc. of Music).