piano 1 |pēˈanō|noun ( pl. -os)a large keyboard musical instrument with a wooden case enclosing asoundboard and metal strings, which are struck by hammers when the keys are depressed. The strings’ vibration is stopped by damperswhen the keys are released, and it can be regulated for length andvolume by two or three pedals. ORIGIN early 19th cent.: from Italian, abbreviation of pianoforte

