Lyre (noun)

1. A musical instrument that consists of a yoke with two arms and a crossbar to which strings are attached, played by plucking the strings with a plectrum.
2. A representation of a lyre, especially as a decorative feature.

Origin:

The word lyre comes from the greek word 'lyra' which referred to the ancient greek musical instrument of the same name.

Examples:

1. The ancient Greeks played the lyre for entertainment and religious ceremonies.
2. Orpheus was a famous musician who could charm all living things with his playing on the lyre.
3. The lyre was an important symbol in ancient Greece and often appears in art and mythology.
4. The modern harp is often considered to be a descendant of the lyre.
5. The lyre was used to accompany choral singing and recitations of epic poetry in ancient Greece.