calliope
UK[kəˈlaɪəpi]US[kəˈlaɪəpi]
n
A keyboard musical instrument resembling an organ but producing sound by forcing steam or compressed air through a series of whistles.
n
(Capitalized, Greek Mythology) The Muse of epic poetry.
Morpheme Breakdown
calli
ope
calli
beautiful
ope
voice
Etymology
The word 'calliope' is a direct borrowing from the Latinized form of the Ancient Greek name Kalliope, meaning "beautiful-voiced". It is a compound of the Greek elements kalli- (a combining form of kallos, "beauty") and -ope (from ops, "voice"). In Greek mythology, Calliope was the chief Muse, presiding over eloquence and epic poetry, a fitting embodiment of a "beautiful voice". In the mid-19th century, the name was applied to the steam-powered musical instrument due to its loud, penetrating, and (to its inventors) impressively powerful sound, metaphorically transferring the attribute of a commanding, beautiful voice from the Muse to the mechanical noisemaker.
Analysis
Structure: calli (beautiful) + ope (voice)
calli: From Greek kallos, meaning "beauty".
ope: From Greek ops, op-, meaning "voice" or "sound".
Examples
The cheerful, piercing notes of the calliope could be heard throughout the carnival grounds.
Calliope, the Muse of epic poetry, was often depicted holding a writing tablet.
The riverboat's departure was heralded by the lively tune of its steam calliope.