Толковый словарь английского языка Oxford English Reference - piano

1. n. (pl. -os) a large musical instrument played by pressing down keys on a keyboard and causing hammers to strike metal strings, the vibration from which is stopped by dampers when the keys are released. Phrases and idioms piano-accordion an accordion with the melody played on a small vertical keyboard like that of a piano. piano organ a mechanical piano constructed like a barrel-organ. piano-player 1 a pianist. 2 a contrivance for playing a piano automatically. Etymology: It., abbr. of PIANOFORTE 2. adj., adv., & n. --adj. 1 Mus. performed softly. 2 subdued. --adv. 1 Mus. softly. 2 in a subdued manner. --n. (pl. -os or piani) Mus. a piano passage . Etymology: It. f. L planus flat, (of sound) soft