(In a wind instrument) a reed which is attached at one end in such a way that it may vibrate freely within the opening in which it is set; frequently attributive.
Origin
Mid 19th century.
Definition of free reed in US English:
free reed
noun
Music
(In a wind instrument) a reed which is attached at one end in such a way that it may vibrate freely within the opening in which it is set; frequently attributive.