harpsichord

Etymology

From French harpechorde, from Modern Latin harpicordium, from harpa (“harp”) + corda (“string”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈhɑː(ɹ)p.sɪ.kɔː(ɹ)d/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈhɑɹp.sɪˌkɔɹd/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Noun

harpsichord (plural harpsichords)

1. (music) A musical instrument with a keyboard that produces sound through a mechanical process. When the performer presses a key, a corresponding plectrum plucks a tuned string. The harpsichord originated in late medieval Europe and is one of the most important instruments used to perform Baroque music.