physharmonica
/ˌfʌɪshɑːˈmɒnɪkə/ /ˌfʌɪzhɑːˈmɒnɪkə/ /ˌfɪzhɑːˈmɒnɪkə/Music. Now historical
noun
An early form of harmonium, in which metal springs are set in vibration by a current of air.
- This form of harmonium was invented by Anton Häckl of Vienna 1820, and was originally designed to be attached to a piano..
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Encyclopaedia Britannica. From German †Physharmonica from ancient Greek ϕῦσα bellows + German †Harmonica (now Harmonika) harmonica.