harmonichord

noun

har·​mon·​i·​chord

härˈmänəˌkȯrd

plural harmonichords

: a 19th-century keyboard instrument in which the strings' tones can be sustained and swelled by means of a rotating cylinder that transfers its vibrations to the strings by means of a rod

Word History

Etymology

French harmonicorde, from harmonie harmony (from Old French armonie) + -corde -chord

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

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