/ ˌkæstəˈnets; NAmE / noun
[ pl. ] a musical instrument that consists of two small round pieces of wood that you hold in the hand and hit together with the fingers to make a noise. Castanets are used especially by Spanish dancers.
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WORD ORIGIN
early 17th cent.: from Spanish castañeta , diminutive of castaña , from Latin castanea chestnut.