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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

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