harpsichord
/ˈhɑɹp.sɪˌkɔɹd/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: 2.62 in modern English
22
Scrabble Score
11
Letters
3
Syllables
9
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
A stringed musical instrument with a keyboard, the mechanical precusor to the fortepiano, in which each key causes a plectrum to pluck a corresponding tuned string, producing a bright, sharp tone similar to that of a harp.
Etymology
Early 1600s, borrowed from French harpechord (“harp string”), from New Latin harpichordium, from harpa (“harp”) + chorda (“string”). Influenced by and possibly also borrowed from Italian arpicordo, producing variant spellings. The unetymological -s-, which predominates by the 1660s, is of unclear origin.
Origin
- Source language: French
Word Breakdown
- Root: harpechord, arpicordo
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /ˈhɑɹp.sɪˌkɔɹd/
- British English: /ˈhɑː(ɹ)p.sɪ.kɔː(ɹ)d/
Inflected Forms
harpsichords (plural)
harpsicord (alternative, dated)
harpicord (alternative, archaic)
harpichord (alternative, archaic)
harpsicon (alternative, obsolete)
Cemb. (alternative)
Hpcd. (alternative)
Hpd. (alternative)
Hpsd. (alternative)
Hrpsd. (alternative)
Derived Forms
Phrases
lute harpsichord
pedal harpsichord