harpsichord

English
An Italian harpsichord from 1677.

Etymology

From French harpechorde, from Modern Latin harpicordium, from harpa (“harp”) + corda (“string”).

Pronunciation
  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈhɑː(ɹ)p.sɪ.kɔː(ɹ)d/
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˈhɑɹp.sɪˌkɔɹd/
  • Audio (US)(file)

Noun

harpsichord (plural harpsichords)

  1. (music) A musical instrument with a keyboard that produces sound through a mechanical process. When the performer presses a key, a corresponding plectrum plucks a tuned string. Harpsichord originated in late medieval Europe and is one of the most important instruments used to perform Baroque music.

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References
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