PSALTERIUM Meaning and
Definition
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A Psalterium, also referred to as a Psaltery, is a musical instrument that dates back to ancient times. The word "psalterium" is derived from the Latin "psalterium" and the Greek "psalterion," meaning "a stringed instrument."
A psalterium typically consists of a hollow box or soundboard with strings attached to it. These strings are often plucked or strummed with the fingers or a small pick, producing a sound similar to that of a harp or a zither. The number of strings on a psalterium can vary, but it typically ranges from ten to thirty. The strings are usually made of gut, but in modern versions, they can also be made of metal or nylon.
Traditionally, the psalterium was used in both religious and secular contexts. In religious settings, it was often played during religious ceremonies or used to accompany hymns and psalms. In secular contexts, the instrument was popular in medieval and Renaissance Europe and featured in various forms of chamber music, troubadour songs, and folk music.
The psalterium's unique sound and portability make it a versatile instrument that is often appreciated for its delicate and ethereal tone. Though less common in contemporary music, the psalterium continues to be used by enthusiasts and in specialized genres of music, particularly those that aim to recreate or evoke ancient or medieval sounds.
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1. Lyra, commissura hippocampi. 2. Omasum, many-plies.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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A psalter; the manyplies or third cavity of the stomach of a ruminant animal; in anat., a part of the brain, consisting of lines impressed upon the under surface of the posterior part of the body of the fornix.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PSALTERIUM
- osalterium
- lsalterium
- -salterium
- 0salterium
- paalterium
- pzalterium
- pxalterium
- pdalterium
- pealterium
- pwalterium
- pszlterium
- psslterium
- pswlterium
- psqlterium
- psakterium
- psapterium
- psaoterium
- psalrerium
- psalferium
Etymology of PSALTERIUM
The word "psalterium" has Latin roots and is derived from the Greek word "psalterion", which referred to a stringed musical instrument. "Psalterion" itself came from the Greek word "psallein", meaning "to pluck" or "to play a stringed instrument". Over time, the term "psalterium" also began to be associated with another meaning – the book containing the Psalms of the Bible – likely due to the use of musical instruments like the psaltery during religious chants or musical accompaniments.
Similar spelling words for PSALTERIUM
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