piccolo
UK[ˈpɪkələʊ]US[ˈpɪkəloʊ]
n
A small flute sounding an octave higher than the ordinary concert flute.
Etymology
The word 'piccolo' entered English in the 19th century from the Italian word 'piccolo', meaning 'small'. The Italian term itself is a shortening of 'flauto piccolo', literally 'small flute'. This Italian adjective 'piccolo' is believed to derive from a Vulgar Latin root 'piccus', meaning 'point' or 'peak', which could metaphorically extend to something small or sharp. Thus, the instrument's name directly and logically describes its most defining characteristic: its small size and correspondingly high pitch.
Analysis
The word is borrowed as a complete unit from Italian. It is not productively segmented in English.
Examples
The piccolo's bright, piercing sound cut through the full orchestra.
She practiced the difficult solo for the piccolo until she mastered it.
In marching bands, the piccolo section often carries the melody.