zither

Meanings

Noun

• A musical instrument consisting of a flat sounding box with numerous strings placed on a horizontal surface, played with a plectrum or fingertips.
• 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.

Verb

• To play a zither.
• To make a sound similar to that made by a zither; to move while making such a sound.

Origin

• Borrowed from German Zither, from Old High German zithara, from Latin cithara, from Ancient Greek κιθάρα ("a kind of harp"). cithara, cither, and guitar.