1. A large brass wind instrument of the 19th century, similar to a tuba, with a conical bore and keys for producing different pitches.
Usage: musical instrument; historical; largely obsolete

Examples

• The ophicleide was popular in orchestras and military bands during the 1800s.
• Composers like Mendelssohn and Berlioz wrote parts for the ophicleide in their symphonies.
• The ophicleide produced a deep, resonant tone that filled concert halls.
• Modern orchestras rarely use the ophicleide, preferring the tuba instead.
• The museum's collection includes a well-preserved ophicleide from the Victorian era.