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Webster 1913 Edition

Harpsichord

Harp′si-chord

(-kôrd)
,
Noun.
[OF.
harpechorde
, in which the
harpe
is of German origin. See
Harp
, and
Chord
.]
(Mus.)
A harp-shaped instrument of music set horizontally on legs, like the grand piano, with strings of wire, played by the fingers, by means of keys provided with quills, instead of hammers, for striking the strings. It is now superseded by the piano.

Webster 1828 Edition

Harpsichord

H`ARPSICHORD

,
Noun.
[harp and chord.] An instrument of music with strings of wire, played by the fingers, by means of keys. The striking of these keys moves certain little jacks, which move a double row of chords or strings, stretched over four bridges on the table of the instrument.

Definition 2024

harpsichord

harpsichord

English

An Italian harpsichord from 1677.

Noun

harpsichord ‎(plural harpsichords)

  1. (music) A musical instrument that produces sound by plucking the strings with a plectrum through a mechanical process when the performer presses on a key on a piano-like keyboard, originating in Middle Ages Europe.

Derived terms

References

Translations

See also

Etymology

From French harpechorde, from Modern Latin harpicordium, from harpa ‎(“harp”) + corda ‎(“string”).

Pronunciation

  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈhɑː(ɹ)p.sɪ.kɔː(ɹ)d/
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˈhɑɹp.sɪˌkɔɹd/

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