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harpsichord
(hɑːʳpsɪkɔːʳd)
Word forms: plural harpsichords
variable noun
A harpsichord is an old-fashioned musical instrument rather like a small piano. When you press the keys, the strings are pulled, rather than being hit by hammers as in a piano.
harpsichord in British English
(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
harpsichordist (ˈharpsiˌchordist) noun
Word origin
C17: from New Latin harpichordium, from Late Latin harpa harp + Latin chorda chord1harpsichord in American English
(ˈhɑrpsɪˌkɔrd)
noun
a stringed musical instrument with a keyboard, often with two manuals: the stringsare plucked by points of leather or quill when the keys are pressed, producing short, abrupt tones
see also clavichordDerived forms
harpsichordist (ˈharpsiˌchordist) noun
Word origin
obs. Fr harpechorde or It arpicordo < arpa (LL harpa < Gmc *harpa: see harp) + corda (see cord); -s- is intrusiveImage ofharpsichord
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