We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. By continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Find out more

Subscriber login

Library card login

Other

Login Athens/Access Management Federation

X Close menu

Dictionary Language resources

harpsichord

Pronunciation: /ˈhɑːpsɪkɔːd/

Translate harpsichord | into German | into Italian

Definition of harpsichord

noun

a keyboard instrument with horizontal strings which run perpendicular to the keyboard in a long tapering case, and are plucked by points of quill, leather, or plastic operated by depressing the keys. It is used chiefly in European classical music of the 16th to 18th centuries.

Derivatives

harpsichordist

Origin:

early 17th century: from obsolete French harpechorde, from late Latin harpa 'harp' + chorda 'string' (the insertion of the letter s being unexplained)