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Psaltery: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŽถ
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psaltery

 

[ หˆsษ”หl.tษ™r.i ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

musical instrument

A psaltery is an ancient stringed musical instrument that has a flat soundbox and typically features multiple strings that are plucked or played with a plectrum. It is similar in construction to the harp but differs in size and shape. Psalteries were widely used in medieval Europe and are often associated with folk music traditions. The instrument can vary in design, with some being trapezoidal and others resembling a long box. In contemporary times, the psaltery is often featured in early music ensembles.

Synonyms

harp, lyre, strings instrument

Examples of usage

  • The musician played a beautiful melody on the psaltery.
  • During the medieval festival, they demonstrated how to play the psaltery.
  • He enjoys incorporating the psaltery into his folk music performances.

Translations

Translations of the word "psaltery" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น salterio

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเคพเคฒเฅเคŸเคฐเฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Psalter

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ psalterium

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟัะฐะปั‚ะธั€

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ psaล‚terz

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่ฉฉ็ฏ‡

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท psautier

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ salterio

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท mezmur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์‹œํŽธ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุฒู…ุงุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ลพalm

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ ลพalm

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ฏ—็ฏ‡

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ psalter

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ sรกlmur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฟัะฐะปั‚ั‹ั€ัŒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒคแƒกแƒแƒšแƒ›แƒ”แƒ‘แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ zษ™ngin

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ salterio

Word origin

The term 'psaltery' originates from the Latin word 'psalterium,' which itself is derived from the Greek word 'psaltฤ“rion,' meaning 'to play an instrument with a plectrum.' Historically, psalteries have been used since ancient times, with evidences tracing back to Mesopotamian and Egyptian cultures. They gained prominence in European music during the medieval period, where various regional styles developed. As church music evolved, the psaltery became a popular instrument in both sacred and secular contexts. Its design and construction have changed over the centuries, reflecting local craftsmanship and musical preferences. The psaltery remains a symbol of folk music heritage and continues to be cherished by musicians and enthusiasts today.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,357, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.