harpsichord

Etymology

From French harpechorde, from Modern Latin harpicordium, from harpa (“harp”) + corda (“string”).

noun

1. (music) A musical instrument with a keyboard that produces sound through a mechanical process. When the performer presses a key, a corresponding plectrum plucks a tuned string. The harpsichord originated in late medieval Europe and is one of the most important instruments used to perform Baroque music.