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

Then we went through our industrial phase: The calliope appeared atop a plume of pressurized steam in the early 1850s.

From Washington Post

Try a few, crank up the calliope and make your own show.

From New York Times

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

But the fair website says drive-thru exhibits included old fire trucks, livestock and a calliope.

From Seattle Times

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

From Washington Post