calliope

American  

[kuh-lahy-uh-pee, kal-ee-ohp] / kəˈlaɪ ə pi, ˈkæl iˌoʊp /

noun

1. Also called steam organ.  a musical instrument consisting of a set of harsh-sounding steam whistles that are activated by a keyboard.

2. (initial capital letter) Also Kalliope the Muse of heroic poetry.

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Calliope ¹ British  

/ kəˈlaɪəpɪ /

noun

1. Greek myth the Muse of epic poetry

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calliope ² British  

/ kəˈlaɪəpɪ /

noun

1. a steam organ

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Etymology

Origin of calliope

1855–60, < Latin < Greek Kalliópē, equivalent to kalli- calli- + op- (stem of óps ) voice + -ē feminine ending

Explanation

A calliope is an old-fashioned, steam powered musical instrument. While a calliope is played using a piano keyboard, the sound is so loud it can often be heard from miles away. During the Industrial Revolution, steam was used to power all sorts of things, from trains to riverboats to circus carousels. Calliopes were invented as a perfect accompaniment to this "age of steam." Calliopes were known for their loud, harsh tones that sound very similar to train whistles. Even though no one would argue that a calliope sounds lovely, the name comes from the beautiful-voiced Greek Muse Kalliope.

Example Sentences

Linthicum also contributes saloon piano and calliope organ, as well as weepy steel guitar on “Old Fashioned Man,” a country waltz about not dancing.

From Washington Times • Dec. 9, 2020

“It had a steam powered organ — a calliope — that was inimitable,” wrote Chuck.

From Washington Post • Oct. 5, 2020

Her six-year-old feet skimming swiftly over battered gray grass, twinkly, too-bright colored lights, shards of mirror, the wild music of a steam calliope.

From The Verge • Feb. 8, 2019

It was performed exclusively by kids -- little kids, bigger kids, teenagers – but was a full-on big top experience, with sawdust and a calliope, acrobats and aerialists.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 7, 2018

Not long after, someone starts up the calliope and the parade begins.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen