SYMPHONIES

Noun

symphonies

plural of symphony

Anagrams

• physnomies, ship moneys, symphonise

Source: Wiktionary


SYMPHONY

Sym"pho*ny, n.; pl. Symphonies. Etym: [F. symphonie (cf. It. sinfonia), L. symphonia, Gr. Phonetic.]

1. A consonance or harmony of sounds, agreeable to the ear, whether the sounds are vocal or instrumental, or both. The trumpets sound, And warlike symphony in heard around. Dryden.

2. A stringed instrument formerly in use, somewhat resembling the virginal. With harp and pipe and symphony. Chaucer.

3. (Mus.) (a) An elaborate instrumental composition for a full orchestra, consisting usually, like the sonata, of three or four contrasted yet inwardly related movements, as the allegro, the adagio, the minuet and trio, or scherzo, and the finale in quick time. The term has recently been applied to large orchestral works in freer form, with arguments or programmes to explain their meaning, such as the "symphonic poems" of Liszt. The term was formerly applied to any composition for an orchestra, as overtures, etc., and still earlier, to certain compositions partly vocal, partly instrumental. (b) An instrumental passage at the beginning or end, or in the course of, a vocal composition; a prelude, interlude, or postude; a ritornello.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

11 February 2025

ALEWIFE

(noun) shad-like food fish that runs rivers to spawn; often salted or smoked; sometimes placed in genus Pomolobus


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Coffee Trivia

Contrary to popular belief, coffee beans are not technically beans. They are referred to as such because of their resemblance to legumes. A coffee bean is a seed of the Coffea plant and the source for coffee. It is the pit inside the red or purple fruit, often referred to as a cherry. Just like ordinary cherries, the coffee fruit is also a so-called stone fruit.

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