English Explanatory Dictionary

harpsichord

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. 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.

Pronunciation

/ˈhɑː(ɹ)p.sɪ.kɔː(ɹ)d/ /ˈhɑɹp.sɪˌkɔɹd/ en-us-harpsichord.ogg

Word forms

harpsichord harpsichords harpsicord harpicord harpichord harpsicon Cemb. Hpcd. Hpd. Hpsd. Hrpsd.

Etymology

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.

Related words

cembalo spinet clavichord

Derived words

harpsichordist harpsichordlike lute harpsichord lyrichord pedal harpsichord
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