Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small, thin, typically flat piece of material, such as plastic, metal, or tortoiseshell, held in the hand and used to pluck or strum the strings of a stringed instrument like a guitar, mandolin, or sitar.

Usage

• The plectrum is used to produce a sharper, more articulate sound than plucking with the fingers.
• It is held between the thumb and index finger.
• The choice of material and thickness of a plectrum affects the tone and volume produced.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "To use a plectrum": The standard phrase for employing this tool.
  • Some guitarists rarely use a plectrum, preferring fingerstyle techniques.
• "Plectrum technique": Refers to the specific skills involved in using a plectrum effectively.
  • His fast alternate picking is a hallmark of his excellent plectrum technique.

Variants and Related Words

• Plectra: The less common plural form of plectrum.
  • The collector had a case of antique plectra made from tortoiseshell.
• Pick: A very common synonym, especially in informal and modern contexts (e.g., guitar pick).
  • He always keeps a spare pick in his wallet.

Synonyms

• Pick (n): The most frequent synonym, especially for guitar.
• Plectron: A rare, alternative term.

Related Phrases

• Flatpick: A type of plectrum with a standard, flat shape, as opposed to a thumb pick.
• Plectrum guitar: A guitar designed to be played primarily with a plectrum.

Noun

1. a small thin device (of metal or plastic or ivory) used to pluck a stringed instrument