Harpsichord
/ˈhɑɹp.sɪˌkɔɹd/ noun
noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A stringed musical instrument with a keyboard, the mechanical precusor to the fortepiano, in which each key causes a plectrum to pluck a corresponding tuned string, producing a bright, sharp tone similar to that of a harp.
- 2 a clavier with strings that are plucked by plectra mounted on pivots wordnet
Antonyms
All antonymsExample
More examples"The best ear training is tuning a piano or harpsichord."
Etymology
Early 1600s, borrowed from French harpechord (“harp string”), from New Latin harpichordium, from harpa (“harp”) + chorda (“string”). Influenced by and possibly also borrowed from Italian arpicordo, producing variant spellings. The unetymological -s-, which predominates by the 1660s, is of unclear origin.