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; -et, -ette

Example Sentences

She beamed and waved as if she held a castanet in each hand—Hi, hi.

From The New Yorker • Jul. 15, 2019

The band people would throw me a maraca or some kind of castanet or drum.

From New York Times • Nov. 9, 2018

Buttressing the ensemble of five musicians, a chorus of castanet players appeared in the two main aisles, stretching back through the audience, with one leader onstage.

From New York Times • Jun. 20, 2016

The dry castanet sound at the start and menacing drum rolls at the end create an unfamiliar effect.

From The Guardian • Jun. 8, 2013

From the pig-run came the quick, hard patter of hoofs, a castanet sound, seductive, maddening-the promise of meat.

From "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding