brass

[bras, brahs]

noun

1. any of various metal alloys consisting mainly of copper and zinc.

2. a utensil, ornament, or other article made of such an alloy.

3. Music.

   1. brass instrument.

   2. brass instruments collectively in a band or orchestra.

4. metallic yellow; lemon, amber, or reddish yellow.

5. Informal.

   1. high-ranking military officers.

   2. any very important officials.

6. Informal.,  excessive self-assurance; impudence; effrontery.

   Synonyms: chutzpa, gall, brashness, nerve, cheek

7. Machinery.,  a replaceable semicylindrical shell, usually of bronze, used with another such to line a bearing; a half bushing.

8. British.,  a memorial tablet or plaque, often incised with an effigy, coat of arms, or the like.

9. Furniture.,  any piece of ornamental or functional hardware, as a drawer pull, made of brass.

10. British Slang.,  money.

adjective

1. of, made of, or pertaining to brass.

2. composed for or using musical instruments made of brass.

3. having the color brass.

brass

/ brɑːs /

noun

1. an alloy of copper and zinc containing more than 50 per cent of copper. Alpha brass (containing less than 35 per cent of zinc) is used for most engineering materials requiring forging, pressing, etc Alpha-beta brass (35–45 per cent zinc) is used for hot working and extrusion. Beta brass (45–50 per cent zinc) is used for castings. Small amounts of other metals, such as lead or tin, may be added Compare bronze

2. an object, ornament, or utensil made of brass

3. 1. the large family of wind instruments including the trumpet, trombone, French horn, etc, each consisting of a brass tube blown directly by means of a cup- or funnel-shaped mouthpiece

   2. (sometimes functioning as plural) instruments of this family forming a section in an orchestra

   3. ( as modifier )

      a brass ensemble

4. a renewable sleeve or bored semicylindrical shell made of brass or bronze, used as a liner for a bearing

5. informal,  (functioning as plural) important or high-ranking officials, esp military officers See also brass hat

   the top brass

6. dialect,  money

   where there's muck, there's brass!

7. an engraved brass memorial tablet or plaque, set in the wall or floor of a church

8. informal,  bold self-confidence; cheek; nerve

   he had the brass to ask for more time

9. slang,  a prostitute

10. (modifier) of, consisting of, or relating to brass or brass instruments

    a brass ornament

    a brass band

brass

1. A yellowish alloy of copper and zinc, usually 67 percent copper and 33 percent zinc. It sometimes includes small amounts of other metals. Brass is strong, ductile, and resistant to many forms of corrosion.

brass

1. Musical instruments traditionally made of brass and played by blowing directly into a small, cup-shaped mouthpiece. They include the French horn, trumpet, trombone, and tuba.

Other Word Forms

• brassish adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of brass¹

before 1000; 1945–50 brass for def. 5; Middle English bras, Old English bræs; cognate with Old Frisian bres copper, Middle Low German bras metal

Word History and Origins

Origin of brass¹

Old English bræs ; related to Old Frisian bres copper, Middle Low German bras metal

Idioms and Phrases

• bold as brass
• double in brass
• get down to brass tacks

Example Sentences

On Wednesday, Joshua Michael Richardson, 38, was charged with felony criminal threats and possession of six high-capacity gun magazines, brass knuckles and a sword, according to the Orange County district attorney’s office.

From Los Angeles Times

Deputies arrested Richardson for criminal threats and found body armor, high-capacity magazines, brass knuckles and knives in his car, officials said.

From Los Angeles Times

The department accused several Mission officers of stealing brass knuckles and other items from motorists in the San Fernando Valley, and attempting to hide their actions from their supervisors by switching off their body-worn cameras.

From Los Angeles Times

The funeral procession was led by a brass band playing Black Sabbath songs, with Ozzy's body transported in a hearse topped by a purple floral tribute in the shape of a cross.

From BBC

A 12-piece band of brass, woodwind and percussion instruments provided a musical backdrop in the church patio.

From Los Angeles Times