What does "gong" mean?

Gong: Etym: [Malayan (Jav.) gong.] An instrument, first used in the East, made of an alloy of copper and tin, shaped like a disk with upturned rim, and producing, when struck, a harsh and resounding noise. O'er distant deserts sounds the Tartar gong. Longfellow.

Additional senses

  1. 2.(Mach.) A flat saucerlike bell, rung by striking it with a small hammer which is connected with it by various mechanical devices; a stationary bell, used to sound calls or alarms; -- called also gong bell. Gong metal, an alloy (78 parts of copper, 22 of tin), from which Oriental gongs are made.

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