Definition of POLYPHONY

polyphony

Meanings

Plural: polyphonies

Noun

  • music arranged in parts for several voices or instruments
  • Musical texture consisting of several independent melodic voices, as opposed to music with just one voice (monophony) or music with one dominant melodic voice accompanied by chords (homophony).
  • The quality of a text of being able to be read in more than one way.

Origin / Etymology

Learned borrowing from Ancient Greek πολυφωνία (poluphōnía); equivalent to poly- + -phony.

Synonyms

concerted music, polyphonic music

Antonyms

monophonic music, monophony

Scrabble Score: 22

polyphony is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
polyphony is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
polyphony is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 23

polyphony is a valid Words With Friends word