Harpsichord

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈhɑː(ɹ)p.sɪ.kɔː(ɹ)d/

Definitions

  1. A keyboard musical instrument that generates sound through the plucking of strings by quills when the keys are activated
  2. A historical stringed keyboard device that creates a distinct sound by causing strings to be plucked as keys are pressed
  3. A stringed keyboard instrument that produces sound by plucking strings with a mechanism when keys are pressed

Etymology: The harpsichord emerged during the Renaissance as a keyboard instrument that produces sound by plucking strings, rather than striking them with hammers as in the later piano. Its name directly reflects this mechanism: “harp” points to the stringed nature of the instrument, while “chord” derives from the Greek "khordē," meaning “string,” a root commonly used in musical terminology. The combination indicates an instrument that functions somewhat like a small harp controlled by a keyboard. The earliest known use of the English term dates back to the 16th century, though the instrument itself had been developing in Europe since the late Middle Ages. It flourished particularly in the 16th and 17th centuries, serving as a primary keyboard instrument before the piano's rise. Its distinctive bright, metallic sound comes from its plucked strings, which contrasts with the hammered strings of later keyboards. Linguistically, the term “harpsichord” entered English likely via French or Italian intermediaries, where similar forms like “harpechorde” or “arpicordo” were used. Italian “cuerda” and French “corde” also mean “string,” reinforcing the shared root. The prefix “harp-” emphasizes the stringed quality, linking this instrument metaphorically to the harp, though their playing methods differ. Over time, the word has remained stable, preserving this descriptive compound form. It serves as a reminder of the instrument’s unique place in musical history—a bridge between the ancient harp and the modern piano, captured in a name that literally means “stringed harp.”

Synonyms: clavichord, fortepiano, keyed instrument, keyboard, instrument