A plectrum (or pick)'s a small flat tool used to pluck or strum a stringed instrument. For guitars and similar instruments, the plectrum's a separate tool held in the player's hand. In harpsichords and other keyboard instruments, the plectra are attached to the harpsichord's jack mechanism. Etymology The word "plectrum"'s the Latinized form of the Greek πλῆκτρον (pléktron), "anything to strike with, an instrument for striking the lyre, a spear point"… (More on Plectrum)