English Explanatory Dictionary

polyphonic

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj
  1. Of or relating to polyphony.
  2. Having two or more independent but harmonic melodies.
  3. Able to play more than one musical note at the same time.
  4. Capable of being read in more than one way.

Pronunciation

/ˌpɒlɪˈfɒnɪk/

Word forms

polyphonic more polyphonic most polyphonic

Etymology

Originally from Ancient Greek πολύφωνος (polúphōnos) + -ic. In later use from poly- + -phonic.

Synonyms

contrapuntal polyphonal polyphonous

Related words

orchestral orchestrated

Derived words

micropolyphonic nonpolyphonic polyphonically unpolyphonic
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