Plural of aulos, an ancient Greek wind instrument similar to a double pipe or oboe, commonly used in music and theater.
From Ancient Greek 'aulos,' of uncertain origin, possibly related to Sanskrit 'avani' (to breathe). The aulos was particularly important in Greek religious ceremonies and dramatic performances.
The aulos was so important to ancient Greek culture that it had its own mythology—the god Apollo was said to have flayed the satyr Marsyas for daring to compete with him in an aulos-playing contest.
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