clavicytherium

[ klav-uh-sahy-theer-ee-uhm ]

noun

, plural clav·i·cy·the·ri·a [klav-, uh, -sahy-, theer, -ee-, uh].

1. an upright harpsichord.

Word History and Origins

Origin of clavicytherium¹

1505–15; clavi- < Medieval Latin clāvis key + cytherium, for Latin citara kithara

Example Sentences

For the history of the clavicytherium considered as a forerunner of the pianoforte see Pianoforte.

From Project Gutenberg

In the clavicytherium at the Smithsonian Institution the plectra nearest the keyboard points to the player's left.

From Project Gutenberg

The first stringed instrument to which this new device was applied was the clavicytherium, or keyed cithara.

From Project Gutenberg