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Definition of plectrum - 2 dictionary results

plec⋅trum

[plek-truhm]
–noun, plural -tra [-truh] , -trums.
1. a small piece of plastic, metal, ivory, etc., for plucking the strings of a guitar, lyre, mandolin, etc.
2. Anatomy, Zoology. an anatomical part resembling a plectrum in shape.

Origin:
1620–30; < L plēctrum < Gk plêktron
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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plec·trum   (plěk'trəm)   
n.   pl. plec·trums or plec·tra (-trə)
A small thin piece of metal, plastic, bone, or similar material, used to pluck the strings of certain instruments, such as the guitar or lute.

[Latin plēctrum, from Greek plēktron, from plēssein, plēg-, to strike; see plāk-2 in Indo-European roots.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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