orpharion

noun

or·​phar·​i·​on
ȯ(r)ˈfa(a)rēən
variants or orpheoreon
ˌȯ(r)fēˈōrēən
or orpherian
ȯ(r)ˈfirēən
plural -s
: an old musical instrument of the cittern family having six to nine pairs of metal strings played with a plectrum

Word History

Etymology

orpharion probably from Orpheus, poet and musician in Greek mythology + Arion, 7th century b.c. semilegendary Greek poet; orpheoreon or orpherian alteration of orpharion

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Cite this Entry

“Orpharion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orpharion. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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