noun
pianoforte
pee-an-uh-FOR-tee/piˌænəˈfɔrti/
A piano.
The wooden pianoforte has a full keyboard and candle holders.
Etymology
The descendant of planus came to mean “soft,” paired here with forte, “loud.” This “soft and loud” name highlights the control of loudness that distinguished the instrument from the harpsichord.
In context
began playing the pianoforte with one foot
More examples
- The museum restored the wooden pianoforte.
- A pianoforte accompanied the singer.
- The score was written for voice and pianoforte.
Forms
pianoforte · pianofortes
Similar words
- piano
- Piano is the usual shortened name for pianoforte.
- harpsichord
- A harpsichord plucks strings; a pianoforte strikes them and allows greater dynamic control.