# kantele

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈkæntələ/

## Definitions
1. A plucked string instrument (a zither) of the Baltic psaltery family, traditionally with five strings but now more widely varying, originating in the folk music of Finland, where it is seen as a national symbol.

## Etymology
From Finnish kantele. Ultimate etymology contested; see Proto-Finnic *kandël for theories.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/kantele