piano
UK: piˈænəʊ | US: piˈænoʊ
n. a large musical instrument with a keyboard and strings, played by pressing keys that cause hammers to strike the strings
n. (abbreviation of pianoforte) a dynamic marking in music indicating soft volume
The word piano is a shortened form of pianoforte, derived from Italian piano e forte ("soft and loud"). This name reflects the instrument's ability to produce both quiet (piano) and loud (forte) sounds, a revolutionary feature when it was invented in the early 18th century. The Italian piano itself comes from Latin planus ("flat, even"), later evolving to mean "soft" in musical contexts.
She practiced the piano for hours every day.
The concert began with a delicate piano passage.
He adjusted the dynamics from forte to piano.
The piano’s keys were worn from years of use.
A grand piano dominated the center of the room.