SISTRUM

TileHead’s Word of the Day for 18 May 2012

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Word of the Day:

  SISTRUM  (n. pl. SISTRUMS or SISTRA)


Definition(s):

1. (n.) an ancient percussion instrument of Egypt, Sumeria, and Rome, consisting of a thin metal frame with numerous metal rods or loops that jingle when shaken
2. (n.) any of various musical instruments played like a rattle

Useful info for word game players:

• Front hooks: (none)
• Back hooks: -S
• Anagrams: TRISMUS, TRUISMS
• Longer extensions: (none)
• Wraparounds: (none)
• Other Spellings: (none)
• Related Forms: (none)

Epilogue:

Of the vocabulary of ancient Egypt that survives to the modern day, most of it applies to the elaborate religious and funerary practices of that civilization.  However, the ancient Egyptians also made important mathematical and scientific discoveries, and they produced rich forms of literature, art, and music.  In the latter category, one unique instrument that has survived is the SISTRUM, a rattle-like device probably used for religious ceremonies, dances, and other occasions.  The word came into English from a Latin form of the Greek seistron, akin to the verb seiein “to shake.”  Many earthquake words beginning with seism- (SEISMIC, SEISMAL, SEISMOLOGY, etc.) derive from the same shaky source.

Recapping this week’s featured words:
PSCHENT, SERDAB, URAEUS, and SISTRUM

Also mentioned:
ANKH, BA, DEMOTIC, HIEROGLYPHICS, KA, MASTABA, PHARAOH, PYRAMID, and SEISMIC

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