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Calliope: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŽถ
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calliope

 

[ kรฆหˆlaษช.oสŠ.pi ]

Noun
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.

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

Etymology

The word 'calliope' comes from the Greek 'Kalliope', which means 'beautiful voice'. In Greek mythology, Calliope is one of the Muses, specifically the Muse of epic poetry, and is often depicted as the wisest and eloquent of the Muses. The use of the name for the musical instrument is fitting, as the calliope produces sound in a loud and melodious manner, reminiscent of the beauty associated with poetry. The calliope was invented in the early 19th century and quickly became a popular attraction at fairs and circuses. Its ability to produce music over long distances contributed to its allure, as it could be heard from far away, drawing crowds to the events where it was featured. Initially powered by steam, the calliope's design evolved over time, but its nostalgic charm and connection to entertainment remain enduring.

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.