paraphonia

noun

para·​pho·​nia
ˌparəˈfōnēə
plural paraphonias
-eəz
also paraphoniae
-nēˌē
1
in Greek & medieval musical theory : a consonance or joint melodic progression of fourths and fifths
2
plural paraphonias [New Latin, from para- entry 1 + -phonia -phony] : abnormal change of voice

Word History

Etymology

Greek paraphōnia, from paraphōnos sounding beside (from para- para- entry 1 + phōnē sound) + -ia -y

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near paraphonia

Cite this Entry

“Paraphonia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paraphonia. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!