Armonica

/ɑːrˈmɑːnɪkə/ noun

Definition

A musical instrument consisting of glass bowls or discs of different sizes that produce sound when rubbed with wet fingers; also called a glass harmonica.

Etymology

From Italian 'armonica,' derived from 'armonia' (harmony). Benjamin Franklin popularized this instrument in the 18th century, improving earlier versions of the glass harmonica.

Kelly Says

Benjamin Franklin didn't invent the glass armonica, but he perfected it—and Mozart and Beethoven both wrote music for it, yet it nearly disappeared because some people thought its eerie sounds could cause illness!

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