2839: Cello Sep 28, 2024

The word 'cello' originates as a clipping of the Italian term 'violoncello', which in turn comes from 'violone'. 'Violoncello' translates to "little violone" in Italian, where 'violone' refers to an early form of the double bass. The suffix '-cello' (-elle in Italian) denotes a diminutive form, indicating that the instrument is smaller in size compared to the violone. The term 'violone' itself is derived from 'viola' with the augmentative suffix '-one' (-oon in Italian), emphasizing its larger size compared to the standard viola.