Plectrum

Alternative forms

• plectron

Origin

From Latin plēctrum, from Ancient Greek πλήκτρον pléktron “anything to strike with, an instrument for striking the lyre, a spear point”, from πλήσσειν pléssein “to strike, to smite, to sting”.

Full definition of plectrum

Noun

1. (anatomy, zoology) An anatomical part resembling a plectrum in shape.
2. (music) A small piece of plastic, metal, ivory, etc for plucking the strings of a guitar, lyre, mandolin, etc.

Synonyms

• pick (US)