lyre

• Instrument de musique à cordes pincées utilisé dans l'Antiquité grecque, souvent joué avec un plectre pour accompagner le chant ou la déclamation. Il désigne aussi un instrument moderne de la famille des harpes.

A stringed musical instrument used in ancient Greece, typically played with a plectrum to accompany singing or recitation.

1. Ancient string instrumentB2formalart

   A U‑shaped harp-like instrument used in ancient Greece, typically strummed to accompany singing or poetry recitation.

   lyre antique

   • Orpheus was said to play the lyre so beautifully that it charmed animals.
   • In ancient Athens, students learned to play the lyre as part of their education.
   • The poet Sappho often composed verses to the sound of the lyre.

2. Symbol of poetic inspirationB2formalart

   A metaphor for the source or expression of lyric poetry and creative art.

   Lyre (symbole de l'inspiration poétique)

   • The poet invoked the lyre of Apollo to guide his verses.
   • Her writing seemed to be touched by the ancient lyre of the Muses.
   • The prize was a bronze lyre, representing the highest honor in lyric composition.