castanet

American  

[kas-tuh-net] / ˌkæs təˈnɛt /

noun

1. either of a pair of concave pieces of wood held in the palm of the hand and clicked together, usually to accompany dancing.

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Etymology

Origin of castanet

1640–50; < Spanish castañeta, equivalent to castañ ( a ) chestnut (< Latin castanea ) + -eta diminutive suffix; see -et, -ette