rhizoverbBeta
DictionarycalliopeSteam or air organ
noun

calliope

kuh-LY-uh-pee/kʌlˈaɪʌpˌi/

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

The calliope’s keyboard controls a row of steam whistles.

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.
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.

In context

Belle of Louisville Riverboats0:07
what's a Calliope you might ask well it's basically a steam-powered piano or a steam organ
My Old Kentucky Home | Belle of Louisville Calliope

More examples

  • A steam calliope played on the riverboat.
  • The musician operated the calliope from a keyboard.
  • The parade included a brightly painted calliope.

Forms

calliope · calliopes

Similar words

organ
An organ sounds through pipes or electronic means; a calliope uses powerful whistles driven by steam or air.
whistle
A whistle produces one tone or limited tones; a calliope combines multiple whistles into a musical instrument.