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DictionaryRoot: Kalliopē
Greek

Kalliopē

Calliope, Muse of eloquence and epic poetry

1 / 1
An operating steam calliope shown close up: graduated brass whistles connected to a steam manifold, a visible keyboard and valve linkages, and a small boiler supplying steam.
noun

calliope

kuh-LY-uh-pee/kʌlˈaɪʌpˌi/

A loud musical instrument with whistles powered by steam or compressed air.

Etymology
calliopeGreekCalliope, Muse of eloquence and epic poetry

The instrument was named for the Muse Calliope, whose name means “beauty of voice.” The source describes this as an incongruous choice for a harsh-sounding steam-whistle organ.

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