reed organ

American  

noun

1. a musical keyboard instrument, as the harmonium or American organ, having small metal reeds through which air is forced to produce the sound.

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reed organ British  

noun

1. a wind instrument, such as the harmonium, accordion, or harmonica, in which the sound is produced by reeds, each reed producing one note only

2. a type of pipe organ, such as the regal, in which all the pipes are fitted with reeds

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Etymology

Origin of reed organ

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Example Sentences

On Venus, sounds that are caused by solid objects vibrating, like harmonicas or reed organ pipes, would be pitched down because the atmosphere is dense and soupy.

From Salon

One tribe squatted under fluttering flags with the Star of David and the Cross, keeping time with a table - a bongo-type drum - a tambourine and a portable reed organ.

From Washington Times

One tribe squatted under fluttering flags with the Star of David and the Cross, keeping time with a table — a bongo-type drum — a tambourine and a portable reed organ.

From Seattle Times

“A reed organ is a small foot pedal organ that was a regulation instrument in pre-war Japanese elementary schools,” she explains.

From The Guardian

Ninety-nine functional reed organs sit inside the Reed Conklin Organ Museum - which is the former site of Hanover High School.

From Washington Times