[sis-truh
m] 
[-truh] . | an ancient Egyptian percussion instrument consisting of a looped metal frame set in a handle and fitted with loose crossbars that rattle when shaken. |
| sis·trum (sĭs'trəm) n. pl. sis·trums or sis·tra (-trə) A percussion instrument of ancient Egypt, Sumeria, and Rome consisting of metal rods or loops attached to a metal frame. [Middle English, from Latin sīstrum, from Greek seistron, from seiein, to shake.] |