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

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

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