What are chordophones?

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Chordophones are instruments whose sound comes from vibrating strings. The string itself vibrates and is set into motion by plucking, bowing, or striking, producing the musical tone. Examples include guitars (plucked), violins (bowed), and harps, as well as pianos where the strings are struck by hammers inside. The other families produce sound in different ways: aerophones by vibrating air, membranophones by vibrating membranes, and electrophones by electronic means. So the description that best fits chordophones is instruments with strings that are plucked, bowed, or struck.