noun
1.
a musical instrument of ancient Greece consisting of a soundbox made typically from a turtle shell, with two curved arms connected by a yoke from which strings are stretched to the body, used especially to accompany singing and recitation.
2.
( initial capital letter ) Astronomy. the constellation Lyra.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
|
Link To lyre
Collins
World English Dictionary
lyre (laɪə) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —n | |
| 1. | an ancient Greek stringed instrument consisting of a resonating tortoise shell to which a crossbar was attached by two projecting arms. It was plucked with a plectrum and used for accompanying songs |
| 2. | any ancient instrument of similar design |
| 3. | a medieval bowed instrument of the violin family |
| [C13: via Old French from Latin lyra, from Greek lura] | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
00:10
Lyre
is always a great word to know.
So is callithumpian. Does it mean:
| a calculus or concretion found in the stomach or intestines of certain animals, esp. ruminants, formerly reputed to be an effective remedy for poison. |
| a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes. |
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
lyre
c.1200, from O.Fr. lire, from L. lyra, from Gk. lyra, a foreign word of uncertain origin.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Cite This Source
Example sentences
The difference being that the lyre snake's grooved teeth are in the rear of its mouth.
He's searching for a divine lyre that could cure him.
The buying of a lyre with cash wouldn't concern me so much.
Aficionados compare their shape to the lyre and even to the scorpion's arched stinger.
Nearby Words
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