Clavichord
/ˈklævɪkɔːrd/noun
A small keyboard instrument whose strings are struck by metal blades called tangents.
Did you know?The clavichord’s name comes from Latin clavis (“key”) and chorda (“string”), making it one of those rare words whose ancient roots describe the instrument almost like a magical mechanism.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
clavis
“key; clasp; anything that locks or opens”
Classical Latin
Latin
chorda
“string, gut-string, cord”
Late Medieval Latin
Latin
clavichordium
“a keyboard stringed instrument”
15th Century
Middle English
clavichord
“a small keyed string instrument”
Modern English
English
clavichord
“a small keyboard instrument played by depressing keys that strike strings”