The spelling of the word "Cithara" is derived from ancient Greek and was brought into English as a loanword. The phonetic transcription of the word is /ˈsɪθərə/. The "c" is replaced by "th" due to the Greek letter "Κ" being pronounced as "k" in Modern Greek but as "th" in ancient Greek. The "h" is also a result of this ancient Greek pronunciation. Cithara refers to an ancient Greek musical instrument that is similar to a lyre and was played by ancient Greek bards.
Cithara is a noun that refers to a stringed musical instrument from ancient Greece and Rome. It was similar to a lyre or a harp and was commonly played in both religious and secular contexts. The word "cithara" is derived from the Greek word "kithara," which originally denoted a type of lyre played by the ancient Greeks.
The cithara typically had a rectangular or trapezoidal wooden soundbox with a flat back and two curved arms connected by a crossbar. It usually had several strings, which were plucked or strummed with the fingers or a plectrum to produce sound. The strings were made of various materials such as animal gut, silk, or metal, and their pitch could be adjusted by tightening or loosening them.
The cithara was highly esteemed in ancient Greek and Roman culture and was often associated with poetry and singing. It was a popular instrument in musical competitions and was frequently depicted in ancient artwork. Skilled cithara players were regarded as talented musicians and were often hired to entertain at social gatherings and events.
The term "cithara" can also be used metaphorically to describe any stringed instrument or musical instrument in general. In contemporary usage, it may specifically refer to a particular type of zither or similar instrument used in traditional and folk music.
The word "cithara" has its roots in Ancient Greek. It is derived from the Greek word "kithara" (κιθάρα), which originally referred to a musical instrument resembling a lyre or a harp with a box-shaped resonance body. The word "kithara" ultimately originated from the Proto-Indo-European root "*kēt-", meaning "to do, to make". Over time, the term "cithara" was adopted into Latin and various other languages, including English, to refer to similar stringed instruments.