noun
- plural of sistrum, an ancient Egyptian percussion instrument consisting of a metal frame with loose metal discs or rods that rattle when shaken
Usage: historical; musical
Examples
- The museum displayed several ancient sistra from Egyptian tombs.
- Priests shook sistra during religious ceremonies in ancient Egypt.
- The sistra produced a distinctive rattling sound when moved.
- Archaeological excavations have uncovered bronze sistra dating back thousands of years.
- Musicians today sometimes use reconstructed sistra in performances of ancient music.