polyrhythm

[ pol-ee-rith-uhm ]

noun

, Music.

1. the simultaneous occurrence of sharply contrasting rhythms within a composition.

polyrhythm

/ ˈpɒlɪˌrɪðəm /

noun

1. music a style of composition in which each part exhibits different rhythms

Other Words From

• poly·rhythmic adjective
• poly·rhythmi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of polyrhythm¹

First recorded in 1925–30; poly- + rhythm

Example Sentences

On the surface, there’s a high degree of independence among the wailing strings, fluorescent woodwinds and intricate percussion, but as Pierre-Laurent Aimard, the Philharmonic’s soloist, recently told The New York Times: “It’s a work that renews polyphony through fascinating polyrhythm.”

From New York Times

After his lessons with Smith, Naqvi was best known as the drummer from Dawn of Midi, a mesmerizing trio that approached polyrhythm with a thrilling, almost scientific tenacity.

From Washington Post

It lays out a polyrhythm of events and exhibitions, but rarely repeats itself.

From New York Times

To best illustrate a polyrhythm, the following system, known as the T.U.B.S. or Tiny Unit Box System, was developed as a way for participants to visualize the inner workings of a polyrhythm.

From Literature

His voice, a velvety baritone, has a suave composure that can hint at easy assurance or a melancholy reticence, and while his melodies don’t immediately seem sharp-edged, he places each note to add yet another layer of polyrhythm.

From New York Times