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Added 9 October 2026

piano

/ˈpjænəʊ/ noun

In Latin: clavile Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about piano at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A keyboard instrument that is played by depressing keys that cause hammers to strike tuned strings and produce sounds.
(music) low loudness.

adjective

(used chiefly as a direction or description in music) soft; in a quiet, subdued tone.
the piano passages in the composition

adverb

Used as a direction in music; to be played relatively softly.

Origin

Clipping of pianoforte, from Italian pianoforte, from piano (“soft”) + forte (“strong”). So named because it could produce a wide range of varied volumes note-by-note, in contrast to older keyboard instruments, notably the harpsichord. Doublet of llano, plain, plane, and plan.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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