Difference between Fortepiano and Piano

Fortepiano

Part of speech: noun

Definition: A keyboard instrument; the smaller, quieter, precursor to the pianoforte.

Piano

Part of speech: noun

Definition: A keyboard musical instrument, usually ranging over seven octaves, with white and black keys, played by pressing these keys, causing hammers to strike strings.

Part of speech: adjective

Definition: Soft. Used as a dynamic directive in sheet music in its abbreviated form, {p.}, to indicate lowering the volume of the music. In the pianoforte this is done by pressing the instrument's keys more lightly.