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polyphony (n.)
1828, "multiplicity of sounds," from Greek polyphōnia "variety of sounds," from polyphōnos "having many sounds or voices," from polys "many" (from PIE root *pele- (1) "to fill") + phōnē "voice, sound," from PIE root *bha- (2) "to speak, tell, say." The musical meaning "act or process of simultaneously combining two or more voice parts so that they harmonize with each other but maintain their individuality" (1864) is perhaps a back-formation from the adjective. Related: Polyphonal.
updated on August 19, 2020
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Dictionary entries near polyphony
polyp
polypeptide
polyphagia
Polyphemus
polyphonic
polyphony
polyploidy
polyrhythm
polyrhythmic
polysemous
polysemy