First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1calypso
noun ca·lyp·so \kə-ˈlip-(ˌ)sō\
Definition of CALYPSO
1
capitalized : a sea nymph in Homer's Odyssey who keeps Odysseus seven years on the island of Ogygia
2
plural calypsos [New Latin, genus name, probably from Latin] : a bulbous bog orchid (Calypso bulbosa) of northern regions bearing a single white to purplish flower
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Origin of CALYPSO
Latin, from Greek Kalypsō
2calypso
noun
plural calypsos or calypsoes
Definition of CALYPSO
: a style of music originating in the West Indies, marked by lively duple meter, and having lyrics that are often improvised and usually satirize local personalities and events; also : a song in this style
— ca·lyp·so·ni·an \kə-ˌlip-ˈsō-nē-ən, ˌka-(ˌ)lip-\ noun or adjective
Origin of CALYPSO
Trinidad English, alteration of kaiso, perhaps ultimately of Afr origin; akin to eastern Caribbean English caliso, cariso satirical song
First Known Use: 1900
CALYPSOS Defined for Kids
calypso
noun ca·lyp·so \kə-ˈlip-sō\
plural calypsos
Definition of CALYPSO for Kids
: a lively folk song or style of singing of the West Indies
Learn More About CALYPSO
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