harpsichord

[ hahrp-si-kawrd ]
/ ˈhɑrp sɪˌkɔrd /

noun

a keyboard instrument, precursor of the piano, in which the strings are plucked by leather or quill points connected with the keys, in common use from the 16th to the 18th century, and revived in the 20th.

Origin of harpsichord

First recorded in 1605–15, harpsichord is from the New Latin word harpichordium (with intrusive -s- of obscure origin). See harp, -i-, chord1

OTHER WORDS FROM harpsichord

harp·si·chord·ist, noun

Words nearby harpsichord

harping, harpings, harpist, harpoon, harpoon gun, harpsichord, harpy, harpy eagle, harquebus, harquebusier, harrar

Example sentences from the Web for harpsichord

British Dictionary definitions for harpsichord

harpsichord
/ (ˈhɑːpsɪˌkɔːd) /

noun

a horizontally strung stringed keyboard instrument, triangular in shape, consisting usually of two manuals controlling various sets of strings plucked by pivoted plectrums mounted on jacks. Some harpsichords have a pedal keyboard and stops by which the tone colour may be varied

Derived forms of harpsichord

harpsichordist, noun

Word Origin for harpsichord

C17: from New Latin harpichordium, from Late Latin harpa harp + Latin chorda chord 1

Cultural definitions for harpsichord

harpsichord

A stringed keyboard instrument much used in the baroque era in music. The keys of a harpsichord move small devices that pluck the strings; the strings are not struck with hammers, as in a piano. Thus, although harpsichords often look much like pianos, their characteristic tinkly sound is unlike that of the piano, and a harpsichordist cannot change the volume of the sound by striking the keys harder, as a pianist can.