one with a horizontal frame and an oblong case, music A keyboard musical instrument, usually ranging over seven octaves, with white and black keys, played by pressing these keys, causing hammers to strike strings, one with an upright frame and vertical wires, adjective_ used chiefly as a direction or description in music, In extended use; quiet, subdued, music Soft, quiet, adverb_ used as a direction in music; to be played relatively softly