melody etymology

Etymology:

• Greek: μελῳδία (melōdía)
• Late Latin: melodia

Meaning:

• A musical composition consisting of a single line of melody, typically accompanied by harmony.
• A pleasing or flowing sequence of sounds.
• A distinctive or characteristic sound or tune.

Origin:

The Greek word μελῳδία (melōdía) originally referred to a musical composition that was sung or played on a musical instrument. It is derived from the Greek words:

• μέλος (mélos): "song," "tune"
• ᾠδή (ōdē): "song," "poem"

The Latin word melodia was borrowed from Greek and used in a similar sense, referring to a musical melody. Over time, the word melody came to be used in English to refer to a single line of music, as opposed to harmony or accompaniment.

melody relate terms

• melodeon

  Etymology Melo Greek song deon Greek receptacle container Meaning A mel

• melody

  Etymology Greek μελῳδία melōdía Late Latin melodia Meaning A musical

• melodrama

  Etymology Melodrama is a compound word derived from two Greek words Melos Meaning m

• tune

  Etymology Middle English ton toune from Anglo Norman French tune toune from Old Fr

• counterpoint

  Etymology Counter Latin against opposite to Point Latin a point a note Meaning

• swan

  Etymology The word swan comes from the Middle English word swane which is derived f

• wood

  Etymology and Origin The word wood comes from the Middle English word wude which is

• theme

  Etymology The word theme derives from the Greek word thema θέμα which means s

• idea

  Etymology The word idea is derived from the Greek word idein ἰδεῖν meaning

• fanfare

  Origin Early 17th century from French fanfare flourish of trumpets from fanfare