harpsichord

== English == === Alternative forms === harpsicord (dated) harpicord, harpichord (archaic) harpsicon (obsolete) Cemb., Hpcd., Hpd., Hpsd., Hrpsd. (musical notation, always capitalized) === Etymology === Early 1600s, borrowed from French harpechord (“harp string”), from New Latin harpichordium, from harpa (“harp”) + chorda (“string”). Influenced by and possibly also borrowed from Italian arpicordo, producing variant spellings. The unetymological -s-, which predominates by the 1660s, is of unclear origin. === Pronunciation === (UK) IPA(key): /ˈhɑː(ɹ)p.sɪ.kɔː(ɹ)d/ (US) IPA(key): /ˈhɑɹp.sɪˌkɔɹd/ === Noun === harpsichord (plural harpsichords) (music) A stringed musical instrument with a keyboard, the mechanical precusor to the fortepiano, in which each key causes a plectrum to pluck a corresponding tuned string, producing a bright, sharp tone similar to that of a harp. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== ==== See also ==== cembalo spinet clavichord ==== References ==== 1986. A Plain & Easy Introduction to the Harpsichord. Ruth Nurmi. Pg. 15.