zither

English

/ˈzɪ.ðə/, /ˈzɪ.ðɚ/

noun
Definitions
  • (music) A musical instrument consisting of a flat sounding box with numerous strings placed on a horizontal surface, played with a plectrum or fingertips.
  • (music) Related or similar instruments in other cultures, such as the Chinese guqin or Norwegian harpeleik; especially any chordophone without a neck, and with strings that pass over the body.

Etymology

Borrowed from German Zither (zither) derived from Old High German zithara derived from Latin cithara (cithara, lyre, cithern, guitar, lute) derived from Ancient Greek κιθάρα (kind of harp, lyre, a kind of harp, kithara).

Origin

Ancient Greek

κιθάρα

Gloss

kind of harp, lyre, a kind of harp, kithara

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms