# castanet

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˌkæs.təˈnɛt/

## Definitions
1. A single handheld percussion instrument consisting of a pair of concave shells or shell-shaped parts joined on one edge by string.

## Etymology
From Spanish castañeta, diminutive form of castaña, from Latin castanea, from Ancient Greek καστάνεια (kastáneia, “chestnut”), possibly of Pre-Greek origin. Related to the chest in chestnut, formerly chesten.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-09-03.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/castanet