polyphonic

English

Etymology

Originally from Ancient Greek πολύφωνος (polúphōnos) +‎ -ic.[1][2] In later use from poly- +‎ -phonic.[2]

Pronunciation

Adjective

polyphonic (comparative more polyphonic, superlative most polyphonic)

  1. Of or relating to polyphony.
    a polyphonic ringtone
  2. (music) Having two or more independent but harmonic melodies.
    Coordinate term: monophonic
    Near-synonym: contrapuntal
  3. (of an electronic device) Able to play more than one musical note at the same time.
  4. (of a text) Capable of being read in more than one way.

Synonyms

Derived terms

Translations

References

  1. ^ Douglas Harper (2001–2026), “polyphonic (adj.)”, in Online Etymology Dictionary.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 “polyphonic, adj.”, in OED Online ⁠, Oxford: Oxford University Press, launched 2000.
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