koto
[koh-toh; Japanese kaw-taw]
- a Japanese musical instrument having numerous strings, usually seven or thirteen, that are stretched over a convex wooden sounding board and are plucked with three plectra, worn on the thumb, index finger, and middle finger of one hand.
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Origin of koto
Borrowed into English from Japanese around 1785–95
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for koto
Contemporary Examples
She took the title after fellow Japanese Koto Okubo passed away on Jan. 12, 2013, at the age of 115 years and 19 days.
Historical Examples
Koto cried, and I knew he had leaped to the same conclusion I had.
The Winged Men of OrconDavid R. Sparks
Koto was looking at me wide-eyed, and I saw that his interest was as keen as my own.
The Winged Men of OrconDavid R. Sparks
I flung myself over to Koto's side to help him with the gun.
The Winged Men of OrconDavid R. Sparks
Then I turned to Koto and in the dark waved a fist under his nose.
The Winged Men of OrconDavid R. Sparks
I felt that Koto's chances of getting back to us were one in a thousand.
The Winged Men of OrconDavid R. Sparks
koto
- a Japanese stringed instrument, consisting of a rectangular wooden body over which are stretched silk strings, which are plucked with plectrums or a nail-like device
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Word Origin
Japanese
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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