claviola

noun

clav·​i·​ola
ˌkla-vē-ˈō-lə,
ˌklā-
variants or less commonly claviol
ˈkla-vē-ˌōl,
ˈklā-
plural claviolas also claviols
: a 19th-century keyboard instrument in which the strings are sounded by means of a rotating rosined wheel operated by one hand

Word History

Etymology

blend of clavi- and viol, viole

First Known Use

circa 1813, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of claviola was circa 1813

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Dictionary Entries Near claviola

Cite this Entry

“Claviola.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/claviola. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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