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antiphony

 - 3 dictionary results

an⋅tiph⋅o⋅ny

  [an-tif-uh-nee]
Use antiphony in a Sentence
–noun, plural -nies.
1. alternate or responsive singing by a choir in two divisions.
2. a psalm, verse, etc., so sung; antiphon.
3. a responsive musical utterance.
Origin:
1585–95; antiphon + -y 3

Related forms:
an⋅ti⋅phon⋅ic  [an-tuh-fon-ik] , adjective
an⋅ti⋅phon⋅i⋅cal⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To antiphony
an·tiph·o·ny   (ān-tĭf'ə-nē)   
n.   pl. an·tiph·o·nies

  1. Responsive or antiphonal singing or chanting.

  2. A composition that is sung responsively; an antiphon.

  3. A responsive or reciprocal interchange, as of ideas or opinions: "Sheridan's play shows both sides of the coin. He establishes an antiphony of cynicism and sentimentality" (Jonathan Miller).

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Encyclopedia

antiphony

alternate singing by two choirs or singers. Antiphonal singing is of great antiquity and occurs in the folk and liturgical music of many cultures. Descriptions of it occur in the Old Testament. The antiphonal singing of psalms occurred both in ancient Hebrew and early Christian liturgies; alternating choirs would sing-e.g., half lines of psalm verses

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Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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