reel-to-reel

English

Etymology

Originally descriptive, used in reel-to-reel recorder and like phrases, then shortened.

Noun

reel-to-reel (plural reel-to-reels)

1. A machine that records sound onto, or plays sound from, tape wound on one reel, by feeding it through to another reel.
   • 1996, “Electricity”, in Bilingual, performed by Pet Shop Boys:

     Costume changes performed with poise / Dancing in formation with a couple of boys / I take them on the road with my reel-to-reels / I'm an artist, honey, you know how that feels?

Further reading

• reel-to-reel audio tape recording on Wikipedia.Wikipedia