Viols, also known as violas da gamba, are stringed instruments that flourished in Renaissance and Baroque music. Synonyms for the word "viols" include bass viol, treble viol, tenor viol, viola da gamba, violone, and viola da braccio. The bass viol is the largest and lowest-pitched member of the viol family, while the treble viol is the smallest and highest-pitched. The tenor viol is the mid-sized member of the viol family, with a range between the bass and treble viols. The viola da gamba, violone, and viola da braccio are all terms used to describe specific variations of the viol family, each with its unique characteristics and sound.