any of several types of dulcimer of Persian origin, usually trapezoidal in shape, played mainly in India, the Middle East, and Turkey
Also called: santir
Word origin
from Arabic, originally from Ancient Greek psaltērion; see psaltery
santir in American English
(ˈsɑːntɪər)
noun
a Persian musical instrument resembling a dulcimer
Word origin
[1850–55; ‹ Ar sanṭīr ‹ Gk psalte᷄rionpsaltery]This word is first recorded in the period 1850–55. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: boneyard, cloakroom, ethylene, runoff, segue