Etymology

The psaltɛrion was originally related to ψάλλω (psallo) “to touch sharply, to pluck, to pull, to twitch”(< ψάω (psao) “to touch lightly, to rub”. Eventually the sound emanating from plucking the harp) in Classical Greek. Although psallo came to mean the making music in general(with any instrument or to sing with or without their accompaniment), the Psaltery branched off and became an instrument in it's own right, belonging to the family of stringed instruments.

Pronunciation

• (5th BC Attic) IPA^(key): /pʰsaltɛ͜ɛ́ri.on/

• (1st BC Egyptian) IPA^(key): /pʰsaltéːrion/