harpsichord

Meaning

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.

Synonyms

cembalo

clavecin

clavichord

spinet

clavicembalo

Translations

clavecin

Cembalo

clavicembalo

clavicordio

cravo

klavecimbel

klavsen

clavicémbalo

cembalo

clavicèmbal

τσέμπαλο

clavecí

Spinett

clavicordi

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈhɑː(ɹ)p.sɪ.kɔː(ɹ)d/

Etymology

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