Etymology and Usage
First attested in English 15th century, the word "plectrum" comes from Latin plectrum, itself derived from Greek "πλῆκτρον" (plēktron), "anything to strike with, an instrument for striking the lyre, a spear point".
"Plectrum" has both a Latin-based plural, plectra and a native English plural, plectrums. Plectra is used in formal writing, particularly in discussing the harpsichord as an instrument of classical music. However, plectrums is more common in ordinary speech. In vernacular speech the abbreviation pleck or plec is sometimes used.
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