piano

pi-an-o · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A large keyboard musical instrument with a wooden case enclosing a soundboard and metal strings, which are struck by hammers when the keys are pressed.

  2. 2.

    (music, as adverb) Softly; used as a direction in music.

Forms

plural: pianos

Related words

See also: instrument, keyboard, music
Synonyms: keyboard

Etymology

Short for pianoforte, from Italian piano e forte ("soft and loud"), describing the instrument's ability to play both quietly and loudly depending on key pressure.