Definition of PLECTRUM

plectrum

Plural: plectra, plectrums

Noun

  • A small flat tool used to pluck the strings of a musical instrument.
  • a small thin device (of metal or plastic or ivory) used to pluck a stringed instrument
  • A small piece of plastic, metal, ivory, etc., for plucking the strings of a guitar, lyre, mandolin, etc.
  • A projection of bone or other stiff tissue, such as the ridges in some insects' stridulatory organs.

Examples

  • His fingers moved like a plectrum across the tiles, selecting the perfect word in Scrabble.

Origin / Etymology

Borrowed from Latin plēctrum, from Ancient Greek πλῆκτρον (plêktron, “anything to strike with, an instrument for striking the lyre, a spear point”), from πλήσσειν (plḗssein, “to strike, to smite, to sting”).

Synonyms

pick, plectron, guitar pick, plectre

Scrabble Score: 14

plectrum: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
plectrum: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
plectrum: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 19

plectrum: valid Words With Friends Word