brass brass /ˈbræs/

noun

1. () An alloy of copper and zinc  ( brass )
   an alloy of copper and zinc
     The doorknob was made of shiny brass.
   The doorknob was made of shiny brass.
   
   
2. () A wind instrument that consists of a brass tube (usually of variable length) that is blown by means of a cup-shaped or funnel-shaped mouthpiece  ( brass instrument , brass )
   a wind instrument that consists of a brass tube (usually of variable length) that is blown by means of a cup-shaped or funnel-shaped mouthpiece
    The brass section played a fanfare to announce the start of the concert
   The brass section played a fanfare to announce the start of the concert
   
   
3. () An ornament or utensil made of brass  ( brass )
   an ornament or utensil made of brass
    The polished brass bowl gleamed in the sunlight.
   The polished brass bowl gleamed in the sunlight.
   
   
4. () Impudent aggressiveness  ( boldness , cheek , face , brass , nerve , brass neck [Informal, British] )
   impudent aggressiveness
    I couldn't believe her boldness
   I couldn't believe her boldness
    He had the effrontery to question my honesty
   he had the effrontery to question my honesty
   
5. () The persons (or committees or departments etc.) who make up a body for the purpose of administering something  ( governance , governing body , organisation [British] , administration , brass , establishment , organization , admin [Informal] )
   the persons (or committees or departments etc.) who make up a body for the purpose of administering something
    He claims that the present administration is corrupt
   he claims that the present administration is corrupt
    The governance of an association is responsible to its members
   the governance of an association is responsible to its members
    He quickly became recognized as a member of the establishment
   he quickly became recognized as a member of the establishment
   
6. A memorial made of brass  ( brass , memorial tablet , plaque )
   a memorial made of brass
    A brass plaque at the entrance commemorated the building's historical significance.
   A brass plaque at the entrance commemorated the building's historical significance.
   
   
7. The section of a band or orchestra that plays brass instruments  ( brass , brass section )
   the section of a band or orchestra that plays brass instruments