Defn: The hypothetical radical C2H3, regarded as the characteristic residue of ethylene and that related series of unsaturated hydrocarbons with which the allyl compounds are homologous.
VIOL Vi"ol, n. Etym: [F. viole; cf. Pr. viola, viula, Sp., Pg., & It. viola, LL. vitula; of uncertain origin; perhaps from L. vitulari to celebrate a festival, keep holiday, be joyful, perhaps originally, to sacrifice a calf (vitulus; cf. Veal). Cf. Fiddle, Vielle, 2d Viola, Violin.]
1. (Mus.)
Defn: A stringed musical instrument formerly in use, of the same form as the violin, but larger, and having six strings, to be struck with a bow, and the neck furnished with frets for stopping the strings. Me softer airs befit, and softer strings Of lute, or viol still, more apt for mournful things. Milton.
Note: The name is now applied as a general term to designate instruments of the violin kind, as tenor viol, bass viol, etc.
2. (Naut.)
Defn: A large rope sometimes used in weighing anchor. [Written also voyal, and voyal.] Totten.
VIOLA
Vi"o*la, n. Etym: [L., a violet. See Violet.] (Bot.)
Defn: A genus of polypetalous herbaceous plants, including all kinds of violets.
VIOLA
Vi"o*la, n. Etym: [It. See Viol.] (Mus.)