polyphonismn.
/ˈpɒlɪfəʊnɪz(ə)m/, /pəˈlɪfənɪz(ə)m/, U.S. /ˈpɑlifoʊˌnɪz(ə)m/, /pəˈlɪfəˌnɪz(ə)m/ 1. Multiplication of sounds or voices; an instance of this; (also) mimicry (cf. polyphonist n. 1). Also in extended use.In early use esp. with reference to an echo.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > resonance or sonority > [noun] > multiplication of sound
polyphonism1713
polyphony1828
1713 W. Derham Physico-theol. iv. iii. 133 The magnifying the Sound by the Polyphonisms, or Repercussions of the Rocks, Caverns, and other phonocamptick Objects..in the Mount.
1828 N. Webster Amer. Dict. Eng. Lang. Polyphonism, Polyphony, multiplicity of sounds, as in the reverberations of an echo.
1891 Sandusky (Ohio) Daily Register 10 June Polyphonism or mimicry is the imitation of cattle, sheep, sawing, planing etc.
1988 Guardian (Nexis) 9 May We no longer speak with a single official voice. Glasnost means polyphonism.
1998 R. Freeborn in N. Cornwell Ref. Guide Russ. Lit. 25 Emphasis came to be placed on such issues as polyphonism in a spirit that tended to regard the polyphonic or ‘multi-voiced’ novel as somehow superior to the single-voiced novel.
2. Music. The use of polyphony; polyphonic style or composition; an instance of this. rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > harmony or sounds in combination > [noun] > counterpoint
counterpoint1597
contrapunct1694
polyphony1790
polyphonism1864
triple counterpoint1869
polyphone1875
1864 Webster's Amer. Dict. Eng. Lang. Polyphonism..composition in parts; contrapuntal composition.
1955 A. Olkhovsky Music Under Soviets 25 Taneyev's ‘polyphonism’ was a forecast of the considerable trend in contemporary music towards linear thinking.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2006; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1713