Plectrum: meaning, definitions and examples

Used similarly as 'plectrum' (they are the same word), mainly in formal or technical discussions related to music.

• Ancient musicians used a type of plectrum to play stringed instruments.
• The museum displayed a collection of historical plectra from various cultures.

Colloquial and informal, often used by musicians and guitar players in casual conversation. The context usually implies that it is a guitar pick, even if 'guitar' is not specified.

• I can’t find my pick, and I need it for practice.
• She always prefers to use a medium pick for her acoustic guitar.

Widely used in casual or everyday conversation, particularly among guitar players. It's the most common term used to describe the tool for strumming or picking a guitar.

• Do you have an extra guitar pick I can borrow?
• He lost his guitar pick right before the performance.

Used in music, specifically referring to a small flat tool used to pluck or strum stringed instruments like guitars or mandolins.

• The guitarist used a plectrum to strum the strings.
• She prefers using a plectrum for a cleaner sound.

Primarily used in zoology, particularly when describing the hard outer part of a bird’s beak.

• The scientist studied the structure of the eagle's beak plate.
• Beak plates are strong enough to break open seeds and nuts.

Used in anatomy and zoology, referring to the part of the jaw region in various animals, including vertebrates.

• The mandibular plate of the fish was examined under a microscope.
• Damage to the mandibular plate can hinder an animal's ability to eat.