1. Music:
* A musical ensemble of nine performers. This is the most common meaning. The instruments in a nonet can vary widely, but often include a combination of strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.
* A nine-note musical scale. Less common than the ensemble definition, but it does exist.
2. Other:
* A nine-sided polygon. This is less common than the musical definition and less likely to be encountered in everyday use.
To understand what "nonet" means in a particular context, consider the surrounding words and the subject matter being discussed.
For example, if you are reading about a musical composition, "nonet" most likely refers to a group of nine musicians. If you are studying geometry, it likely refers to a nine-sided shape.