aeolian harp

noun

1. a box with an opening across which are stretched a number of strings of equal length that are tuned in unison and sounded by the wind.

aeolian harp

noun

1. a stringed instrument that produces a musical sound when a current of air or wind passes over the strings Also calledwind harp

Word History and Origins

Origin of aeolian harp¹

First recorded in 1785–95

Example Sentences

He listened intently and heard instead of warblings, fine strains of music like those of an aeolian harp.

From Project Gutenberg

Mary, who was as sensitive to changes in manner as an aeolian harp is to the slightest breeze, looked at her hostess quickly and noticed the red rims on her eyelids.

From Project Gutenberg

On the other hand, those who had been captured by his poetry expected to find a man whose sensitive organism responded nervously to every uttered word as an aeolian harp answers to the faintest breeze.

From Project Gutenberg

The very wind of heaven was made to fan over an aeolian harp that it might enter his room, not as a strong fresh breeze, but as a breath of music.

From Project Gutenberg

“It was just one strain, almost as if the wind had blown over an aeolian harp.”

From Project Gutenberg