Definition

Noun: - A type of harp designed to be played by the wind: An Aeolian lyre is a stringed musical instrument that is not played by human hands. Its strings are all tuned to the same pitch (in unison) and produce sound when the wind passes over them, creating harmonic tones.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The poet installed an Aeolian lyre in his garden to be inspired by its haunting, wind-generated music.
  • The sound from the Aeolian lyre on the porch provided a constant, gentle background melody.

Advanced Usage

• Poetic and literary symbol: The Aeolian lyre is often used as a metaphor for natural inspiration or passive reception of artistic influence, as it "plays" only when the wind (an external force) moves it.
  • The romantic poets saw the artist's mind as an Aeolian lyre, stirred into creativity by the winds of experience.

Variants and Related Words

• Aeolian harp: This is the more common and direct synonym for "Aeolian lyre." Both terms refer to the same instrument.
  • The scientist recorded the frequencies produced by the Aeolian harp during the storm.

Synonyms

• Wind harp: A descriptive synonym emphasizing the source of its sound.
• Aeolian harp: The standard, more frequently used term for the same instrument.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Like an Aeolian harp": Used to describe something that responds beautifully and effortlessly to external influences.
  • Her voice was like an Aeolian harp, changing perfectly with the emotion of the song.

Noun

1. a harp having strings tuned in unison; they sound when wind passes over them