Word Study
arpeggio
CIDE DICTIONARY
arpeggio, n. [It., fr. arpeggiare to play on the harp, fr. arpa harp.].
The production of the tones of a chord in rapid succession, as in playing the harp, and not simultaneously; a strain thus played. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
arpeggio, n. (pl. -os) Mus. the notes of a chord played in succession, either ascending or descending.
Etymology
It. f. arpeggiare play the harp f. arpa harp
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