violoncello Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a large stringed instrument; seated player holds it upright while playing
    cello.

WordNet

Vi`o*lon*cel"lo noun
Etymology
It. violoncello, dim. of violone a bass viol. See Violone.
Definitions
  1. (Mus.) A stringed instrument of music; a bass viol of four strings, or a bass violin with long, large strings, giving sounds an octave lower than the viola, or tenor or alto violin.

Webster 1913