piano Hear it!

piano1 definition

pi·ano (pē ä′nō, -an′ō)

adjective, adverb

soft(ly): often used as a musical direction

Etymology: It, soft, smooth < L planus, smooth, plane

noun pl. pianos -·an′os

a passage to be performed piano
piano2 definition

pi·ano (pē an′ō)

noun pl. pianos -·nos

a large keyboard instrument, each key of which operates a small, felt-covered hammer that strikes and vibrates a corresponding wire or set of wires stretched on a metal frame that is enclosed in a wooden case of various forms

Etymology: It, contr. < pianoforte

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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