sistrum

[ sis-truhm ]

noun

, plural sis·trums, sis·tra [sis, -tr, uh].

1. an ancient Egyptian percussion instrument consisting of a looped metal frame set in a handle and fitted with loose crossbars that rattle when shaken.

sistrum

/ ˈsɪstrəm /

noun

1. a musical instrument of ancient Egypt consisting of a metal rattle

Word History and Origins

Origin of sistrum¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin < Greek seîstron, derivative of seíein to shake ( seismic )

Word History and Origins

Origin of sistrum¹

C14: via Latin from Greek seistron, from seiein to shake

Example Sentences

We see here very distinctly the design of the egg- and sistrum- shaped bodies.

From Project Gutenberg

Her blue eyes, filled with tears, were fixed on the sistrum which her weak, emaciated hands had hardly strength to hold.

From Project Gutenberg

Tachot seemed to notice this, for she raised her eyes from the sistrum and looked kindly and gratefully at the crowd.

From Project Gutenberg

Sistrum, sis′trum, n. a form of rattle used in ancient Egypt in connection with the worship of Isis.

From Project Gutenberg

Whole nights were spent sitting in the temple amid the rattling of the sistrum.

From Project Gutenberg