plectrum

[ plek-truhm ]

noun

, plural plec·tra [plek, -tr, uh], plec·trums.

1. a small piece of plastic, metal, ivory, etc., for plucking the strings of a guitar, lyre, mandolin, etc.
2. Anatomy, Zoology. an anatomical part resembling a plectrum in shape.

plectrum

/ ˈplɛktrəm /

noun

1. any implement for plucking a string, such as a small piece of plastic, wood, etc, used to strum a guitar, or the quill that plucks the string of a harpsichord

Word History and Origins

Origin of plectrum¹

1620–30; < Latin plēctrum < Greek plêktron

Word History and Origins

Origin of plectrum¹

C17: from Latin plēctrum quill, plectrum, from Greek plektron, from plessein to strike

Example Sentences

Plectrum, plek′trum, n. the quill or other form of instrument by which the strings of the Greek lyre were struck.

From Project Gutenberg

The instrument here introduced is the cittern, played with or without a plectrum or quill.

From Project Gutenberg

It is ornamented in ebony and ivory, and has a plectrum guard inserted in the belly, as in a modern mandoline.

From Project Gutenberg

Mandolines are partly strung with wire, and are played with a plectrum, indispensable for metal or short strings.

From Project Gutenberg

He plays as he walks, using both hands, a plectrum being in the right.

From Project Gutenberg