polyphone

[ pol-ee-fohn ]

noun

, Phonetics.

1. a polyphonic letter or symbol.

polyphone

/ ˈpɒlɪˌfəʊn /

noun

1. a letter or character having more than one phonetic value, such as English c, pronounced ( k ) before a, o, or u or ( s ) before e or i

Word History and Origins

Origin of polyphone¹

From the Greek word polýphōnos, dating back to 1645–55. See poly-, -phone

Example Sentences

We contemporary men feel exactly the opposite: the richer man now feels himself inwardly, the more polyphone the music and the sounding of his soul, the more powerfully does the uniformity of nature impress him.

From Project Gutenberg

Hanging on the partition near the polyphone was a board about fifteen inches square, over the surface of which were distributed a number of small hooks, numbered.

From Project Gutenberg

The Old Dear now put a penny in the slot of the polyphone, and winding it up started it playing.

From Project Gutenberg

While they were pouring this down their throats, Crass took a penny from his waistcoat pocket and put it in the slot of the polyphone.

From Project Gutenberg

He had had six and a half pints of beer, and had listened to two selections on the polyphone at a total cost of one penny.

From Project Gutenberg