harpsichord
/ˈhɑː(ɹ)p.sɪ.kɔː(ɹ)d/ · noun
Meaning
- 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.
Etymology / origin
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.
- arpicordo(Italian)→
- harpechord(fr)→
- harpsichord (English)
- Relations: bor, bor
Related words
Descendant words
- ハープシコード(Japanese) (bor)
- harpsicord(Romanian) (bor)
- harpsicord(Welsh) (bor)
Sources
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