sistrum

noun sis·trum \ ˈsistrəm \

Definition of sistrum

plural sistrums \-rəmz\ or sistra \-rə\

1 : an ancient Egyptian and Roman percussion instrument sacred to the goddesses Hathor and Isis consisting usually of a handle attached to a small metal strip bent into an oblong loop with holes for three or four loose metal rods that jingle when shaken

2 : any of various musical instruments played like a rattle

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Origin and Etymology of sistrum

Middle English, from Latin, from Greek seistron, from seiein to shake

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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