clavichord

[ klav-i-kawrd ]
See synonyms for clavichord on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. an early keyboard instrument producing a soft sound by means of metal blades attached to the inner ends of the keys gently striking the strings.

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Origin of clavichord

1
1425–75; late Middle English <Medieval Latin clāvichordium, equivalent to Latin clāvi(s) key + chord(a) chord2 + -ium-ium

Other words from clavichord

  • clav·i·chord·ist, noun

Words Nearby clavichord

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use clavichord in a sentence

  • Reischach led the newcomer to the clavichord in the panelled room, and the company gathered near the garden-door to listen.

    A German Pompadour | Marie Hay
  • There is a clavichord in the panelled room, and we will leave the garden door open in order to hear the music.

    A German Pompadour | Marie Hay
  • From Austria the "clavichord" as it was usually called in those days (because it had "craves" or keys) went to Italy.

    The Story of Mankind | Hendrik van Loon
  • The Italians called an instrument with a 'jack' action like the virginal by the name clavichord.

    Shakespeare and Music | Edward W. Naylor
  • The clavichord followed in due course, and by a rapid process of development regals, organs, and virginals evolved.

    Chats on Household Curios | Fred W. Burgess

British Dictionary definitions for clavichord

clavichord

/ (ˈklævɪˌkɔːd) /


noun
  1. a keyboard instrument consisting of a number of thin wire strings struck from below by brass tangents. The instrument is noted for its delicate tones, since the tangents do not rebound from the string until the key is released

Origin of clavichord

1
C15: from Medieval Latin clāvichordium, from Latin clāvis key + chorda string, chord 1

Derived forms of clavichord

  • clavichordist, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012