polyphonic

[ pol-ee-fon-ik ]

adjective

1. consisting of many voices or sounds.
2. Music.
   1. having two or more voices or parts, each with an independent melody, but all harmonizing; contrapuntal ( homophonic ).
   2. pertaining to music of this kind.
   3. capable of producing more than one tone at a time, as an organ or a harp.
3. Phonetics. having more than one phonetic value, as the letter s, that is voiced (z) in nose and unvoiced (s) in salt.

polyphonic

/ ˌpɒlɪˈfɒnɪk /

adjective

1. music composed of relatively independent melodic lines or parts; contrapuntal
2. many-voiced
3. phonetics of, relating to, or denoting a polyphone

Derived Forms

• ˌpolyˈphonically, adverb

Other Words From

• poly·phoni·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of polyphonic¹

First recorded in 1775–85; polyphone + -ic

Example Sentences

It runs as a polyphonic symphony compared to the simple percussion section of the heart or the synchronized cellos of the liver.

From The Daily Beast

I institute quite early what I call polyphonic technic—one hand doing a different movement or touch from the other.

From Project Gutenberg

I thoroughly believe in the value of polyphonic music as a mental study; it is a necessity.

From Project Gutenberg

Then follows a short Allegro in three-four time, of polyphonic character.

From Project Gutenberg

The Gloria begins with a triumphant polyphonic chorus accompanied by a spirited symphony for strings.

From Project Gutenberg

The easiest solution would have been to use some such polyphonic instrument as the piano or harmonium.

From Project Gutenberg