A small rectangular wind instrument with metal reeds, played by blowing and drawing air through holes.
From Latin harmonicus meaning 'relating to harmony', from Greek harmonikos. Originally applied to various musical instruments producing harmonic tones, it was specifically applied to the mouth organ in the 19th century when the modern instrument was developed.
The harmonica revolutionized music accessibility because it was cheap, portable, and didn't require formal training - it became the 'people's instrument'. Interestingly, it works on the same principle as the human vocal cords, using vibrating reeds to create sound.
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