The term STRADIVARIUS is a combination of two words, 'STRAD' and 'VIOLIN'. The word 'STRAD' is an abbreviation of the Italian word 'Stradivari', which refers to the family of VIOLIN makers from Cremona, Italy, headed by Antonio Stradivari. The word 'VIOLIN' refers to a stringed instrument that is played with a bow. Together, the two words refer to the violins made by the Stradivari family, which are widely considered to be some of the finest instruments ever made.