étude

noun

ˈā-ˌtüd 

-ˌtyüd

1

: a piece of music for the practice of a point of technique

2

: a composition built on a technical motive but played for its artistic value

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, study, from Middle French estude, estudie, from Old French — more at study

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

étude

noun

ˈā-ˌt(y)üd 

: a piece of music for practice

Etymology

from French étude, literally, "study"