clavichord Hear it!

clavichord Definition

clavi·chord (klavi kôrd′)

noun

a stringed musical instrument with a keyboard, predecessor of the piano: horizontal strings, generally of equal length, are struck at various points from below by metal wedges (tangents) at the end of each key, producing soft tones with limited dynamics

Etymology: ME clavicord < ML clavicordium < L clavis, a key (see close) + chorda, chord

clavichord Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • make: Unfortunately there is no evidence of him making a clavichord.
  • play: The phrase seemed to me to capture the intense and direct physical sensations which are such a key part of playing the Clavichord.
  • fret: Both are versions of the small ' German ' fretted clavichord.

Adjective modifier

  • Swedish: Research into the field of Swedish clavichords is only just beginning.
  • fretted: If fretted clavichords were made at all, they were definitely'second best ' .
  • modern: Indeed it would be very interesting to follow the evolution of the modern clavichord through the database.
  • early: SQUARE PIANO The first pianos made in this country were in the oblong form of the earlier clavichord, and were made about 1770.

Modifies a noun

  • maker: Clavichord makers tend to prefer fretted instruments because they often turn out to be more lively and exciting to play.
  • music: In this case, tho, how to explain those pieces which are undoubtedly clavichord music, but which go below bottom C?
  • revival: This led naturally to Richard Luckett ' s discussion of the literary echoes of the English clavichord revival.
  • society: Many other countries now have clavichord societies; click here for a contact list.

Browse dictionary entries near clavichord

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  2. clave
  3. clavation
  4. clavately
  5. clavate
  6. claustrophobic
  7. claustrophobia
  8. claustral
  9. Clausewitz
  10. clause
  1. clavicle
  2. clavicorn
  3. clavicornate
  4. clavicular
  5. clavier
  6. claviform
  7. claw
  8. claw hammer
  9. clawback
  10. clawed