What is "double reed"

n. (context music English) A pair of reeds, in any of several wind instruments, that are joined together and vibrate together

1. n. a woodwind that has a double reed [syn: double-reed instrument]

2. a pair of joined reeds that vibrate together to produce the sound in some woodwinds

A double reed is a type of reed used to produce sound in various wind instruments. The term double reed comes from the fact that there are two pieces of cane vibrating against each other. A single reed consists of one piece of cane which vibrates against a mouthpiece made of metal, hardened rubber, resin, or some other material. The term double reeds can also refer collectively to the class of instruments which use double reeds.