plectrum

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a small flat piece of plastic, metal, or other material used to pluck the strings of an instrument

   The guitarist used a thick plectrum for a sharper attack.

2. 2
   noun

   in anatomy, a stiff projection or ridge used to strike or scrape another structure

   The insect produces sound by drawing its plectrum across a ridged surface.

Borrowed through Latin plectrum from Greek plektron ("instrument for striking the lyre"), from plessein ("to strike"). The anatomical sense applies the musical tool's striking action to a rigid body part.

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