tuba

Etymology 1

From Latin tuba (“tube, trumpet, military trumpet”), first borrowed as a historic term in the 18th century. The name of the modern instrument was borrowed in the 19th century from German Tuba (“tuba”), originally Baß-Tuba (literally “bass tuba”), from the same Latin source. The Latin term is of obscure ultimate origin, but is possibly connected to tībia (“shinbone, reed-pipe”), see there.

noun

1. A large brass musical instrument, usually in the bass range, played through a vibration of the lips upon the mouthpiece and fingering of the keys.
   One version of the large tuba, popular in marching bands, is called a sousaphone in honor of bandsman John Philip Sousa. 1990, Thomas D. Rossing, The Science of Sound, page 230
2. A type of Roman military trumpet, distinct from the modern tuba.
3. A large reed stop in organs.

noun

1. (anatomy) A tube or tubular organ.

Etymology 2

Borrowed from Malay tuba.

noun

1. A Malayan plant whose roots are a significant source of rotenone, Derris malaccensis.

Etymology 3

From Cebuano tuba.

noun

1. A reddish palm wine made from coconut or nipa sap.