f hole

This term is a specialized piece of musical terminology used primarily by luthiers and musicians. It describes a specific architectural feature of the instrument's body, where the shape is not merely decorative but functional, facilitating the projection of sound from the interior cavity.

Because it refers to a physical part of an instrument, it is used in a literal, technical sense. It is rarely used metaphorically. When discussing the construction of stringed instruments, it is often paired with terms like spruce top or sound post.