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

Example Sentences

“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

I also received bright orange 3D plastic models for those sizes, which, clustered together, resemble a miniature skyline or calliope pipes.

From New York Times • Oct. 16, 2017

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

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen