Pianofortes

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of musical instrument that produces sound through hammers striking strings, allowing for both soft and loud dynamics
2. Musical keyboards that create sound by striking strings with hammers and can vary in volume based on touch
3. Instruments that combine the features of a keyboard and string mechanism, enabling performers to play softly or loudly depending on their touch sensitivity

Etymology: "Pianofortes" is the plural of "pianoforte," borrowed from Italian, where it joins "piano" (soft) and "forte" (loud), so the name literally means "soft-loud." Italian "piano" descends from Latin "planus," meaning level or flat, while "forte" comes from Latin "fortis," meaning strong.

Synonyms: pianos