Real Dictionary

clavichord
variable noun: A clavichord is a musical instrument rather like a small piano. When you press the keys, small pieces of metal come up and hit the strings. Clavichords were especially popular during the eighteenth century.

clavichord in American English
a stringed musical instrument with a keyboard, predecessor of the piano: horizontal strings, generally of equal length, are struck at various points from below by metal wedges (tangents) at the end of each key, producing soft tones with limited dynamics
noun: an early keyboard instrument producing a soft sound by means of metal blades attached to the inner ends of the keys gently striking the strings

clavichord in British English
noun: a keyboard instrument consisting of a number of thin wire strings struck from below by brass tangents. The instrument is noted for its delicate tones, since the tangents do not rebound from the string until the key is released