Lydian

[ lid-ee-uhn ]

adjective

1. of or relating to Lydia.
2. (of music) softly or sensuously sweet; voluptuous.

noun

1. an inhabitant of Lydia.
2. an Anatolian language of Lydia, written in a modified Greek alphabet.

ˈLydian

/ ˈlɪdɪən /

adjective

1. of or relating to ancient Lydia, its inhabitants, or their language
2. music of or relating to an authentic mode represented by the ascending natural diatonic scale from F to F See also Hypo- Compare Hypolydian

noun

1. an inhabitant of Lydia
2. the extinct language of the Lydians, thought to belong to the Anatolian group or family

Word History and Origins

Origin of Lydian¹

First recorded in 1535–45; Lydi(a) + -an

Example Sentences

So terrified were the warring Lydians and Medes at the arrival of an eclipse in 585 BC, Herodotus tells us, they immediately made peace.

From Los Angeles Times

The kingdoms of the Medes and Lydian had waged a brutal war for years.

From New York Times

Therefore the fourth degree of the Lydian mode is raised one half step.

From Literature

Klejman, who was also the Met’s source for part of the Lydian Hoard.

From New York Times

Titled “Holy Song of Thanksgiving of a Convalescent to the Deity, in the Lydian Mode,” it was written after Beethoven recovered from a serious intestinal illness, just two years before his death.

From New York Times