A large, long-necked stringed instrument from India with movable frets and sympathetic strings that resonate to create a distinctive, shimmering sound.
From Hindi सितार (sitār), which derives from Persian سهتار (se-tār) meaning 'three strings' (se 'three' + tār 'string'). The word entered English in the late 18th century through British colonial contact with Indian classical music, though the modern sitar actually has many more than three strings.
Despite its name meaning 'three strings' in Persian, the modern sitar can have up to 21 strings! The name stuck from an earlier, simpler version of the instrument, showing how musical terms can preserve ancient history even as the instruments evolve.
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