Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Violin \Vi`o*lin"\, n. [It. violino, dim. of viola. See {Viol}.]
   (Mus.)
   A small instrument with four strings, played with a bow; a
   fiddle.

   Note: The violin is distinguished for the brilliancy and
         gayety, as well as the power and variety, of its tones,
         and in the orchestra it is the leading and most
         important instrument.

Source : WordNet®

violin
     n : bowed stringed instrument that is the highest member of the
         violin family; this instrument has four strings and a
         hollow body and an unfretted fingerboard and is played
         with a bow [syn: {fiddle}]