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Calliope: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŽถ
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calliope

 

[kรฆหˆlaษช.oสŠ.pi ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

musical instrument

A calliope is a musical instrument that produces sound by sending steam or compressed air through large whistles. It is often associated with circuses and fairs, providing a distinctive and powerful sound that can be heard from a distance. The calliope typically plays melodies that are pre-programmed, and it was particularly popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It has a charming yet somewhat haunting quality, often evoking nostalgia. Calliopes are sometimes referred to as 'steam pianos' due to their method of sound production.

Synonyms

steam organ, steam piano.

Examples of usage

  • The calliope echoed through the carnival grounds.
  • She played the calliope, filling the air with joyful tunes.
  • The sound of the calliope reminded him of his childhood trips to the circus.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Greek 'kalliopฤ“', meaning 'beautiful voice', named after the muse of epic poetry.
  • It was introduced in the late 19th century for a steam-powered music instrument used in fairs and circuses.

Historical Origins

  • Called the 'steam organ', it became popular in the United States in the 1830s and was often found in traveling circuses.
  • The first Calliopes were usually powered by steam engines, which made them both impressive and loud attractions.

Music and Culture

  • Calliopes often play catchy tunes from popular songs and are synonymous with summer fairs and amusement parks.
  • The instrument's unique sound is a blend of high-pitched, cheerful notes, making it a favorite for lively celebrations.

Pop Culture

  • Calliopes have appeared in various films, symbolizing nostalgia for classic circus entertainment.
  • Songs played on calliopes often evoke memories of childhood and fun times at the carnival.

Mechanical Technology

  • Modern versions of the calliope use electronic components, yet many still appreciate the traditional steam-powered versions.
  • The instrument showcases early engineering, combining music with mechanics, fascinating many inventors and musicians alike.

Translations

Translations of the word "calliope" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น calรญope

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เคพเคฒเคฟเคฏเฅ‹เคช

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Kalliope

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ Calliope

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะšะฐะปั–ะพะฟะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ Kalliope

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ซใƒชใ‚ชใƒš

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท Calliope

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ Calรญope

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท Kalliope

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์นผ๋ฆฌ์˜คํŽ˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูƒุงู„ูŠูˆุจ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ Kalliope

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ Kalliope

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅกๅˆฉไฟ„็€

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ Kalliope

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ Kallรญope

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะšะฐะปะปั–ะพะฟะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒแƒšแƒ˜แƒแƒžแƒ”

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ Kalliope

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Calรญope

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,162, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.