sistrum
Definition of sistrum
sistrums
\-rəmz\ orsistra
\-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 — more at seismic
First Known Use: 14th century
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