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noun

harmonium

hah-MOH-nee-uhm

Harmonium (noun) means a keyboard instrument that produces sound by pushing air through small reeds, worked with foot pedals or a hand pump. Example: “The old church harmonium wheezed as she pumped the pedals.”

noun
1
A keyboard instrument that produces sound by pushing air through small reeds, worked with foot pedals or a hand pump.
"The old church harmonium wheezed as she pumped the pedals."
"A harmonium accompanies much devotional singing in South Asia."

How to use harmonium

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA pump-organ style keyboard instrument, common in churches and in Indian classical and devotional music.

Word forms

harmoniums plural

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The old church _____ wheezed as she pumped the pedals.

Etymology

Coined in French by instrument maker Alexandre Debain in 1840, from harmony plus the Latin-style ending -ium.

Origin: Latin · First attested 1840

Class of 1840 harmonium joined the language around 1840.
See the full Class of 1840 →
organ reed organ

Related words

Rhymes for harmonium

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Frequently asked questions

What does “harmonium” mean?

The word “harmonium” means a keyboard instrument that produces sound by pushing air through small reeds, worked with foot pedals or a hand pump. In plain terms, a pump-organ style keyboard instrument, common in churches and in Indian classical and devotional music.

How do you pronounce “harmonium”?

“Harmonium” is pronounced hah-MOH-nee-uhm (/hɑɹˈmoʊ̯.ni.əm/ in IPA).

How do you use “harmonium” in a sentence?

Here is “harmonium” used in a sentence: “The old church harmonium wheezed as she pumped the pedals.”

What part of speech is “harmonium”?

“Harmonium” is a noun.

Where does the word “harmonium” come from?

The word “harmonium” dates back to around 1840 and comes from Latin. Coined in French by instrument maker Alexandre Debain in 1840, from harmony plus the Latin-style ending -ium.

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