clavichord
[ klav-i-kawrd ]
/ ˈklæv ɪˌkɔrd /
noun
an early keyboard instrument producing a soft sound by means of metal blades attached to the inner ends of the keys gently striking the strings.
RELATED WORDS
Nearby words
clavately, clave, claver, claves, clavicembalo, clavichord, clavicle, clavicorn, clavicotomy, clavicular, claviculate
Origin of clavichord
Related formsclav·i·chord·ist, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for clavichord
British Dictionary definitions for clavichord
clavichord
/ (ˈklævɪˌkɔːd) /
noun
a keyboard instrument consisting of a number of thin wire strings struck from below by brass tangents. The instrument is noted for its delicate tones, since the tangents do not rebound from the string until the key is released
Derived Formsclavichordist, noun
Word Origin for clavichord
C15: from Medieval Latin clāvichordium, from Latin clāvis key + chorda string, chord 1
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for clavichord
clavichord
mid-15c., from Medieval Latin clavicordium (15c.), from Latin clavis "a key" (see slot (n.2)) + chorda "a string" (see cord).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper