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idyll

 - 3 dictionary results

i⋅dyll

[ahyd-l]
–noun
1. a poem or prose composition, usually describing pastoral scenes or events or any charmingly simple episode, appealing incident, or the like.
2. a simple descriptive or narrative piece in verse or prose.
3. material suitable for such a work.
4. an episode or scene of idyllic charm.
5. a brief or inconsequential romantic affair.
6. Music. a composition, usually instrumental, of a pastoral or sentimental character.
Also, idyl.


Origin:
1595–1605; < L īdyllium < Gk eidýllion short pastoral poem, equiv. to eíd(os) form + -yllion dim. suffix
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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i·dyll also i·dyl   (īd'l)   
n.  
    1. A short poem or prose piece depicting a rural or pastoral scene, usually in idealized terms.

    2. A narrative poem treating an epic or romantic theme.

    3. A carefree episode or experience: a summer idyll on the coast of France.

    4. A romantic interlude.

  1. A scene or event of a simple and tranquil nature.

    1. A carefree episode or experience: a summer idyll on the coast of France.

    2. A romantic interlude.


[Latin īdyllium, from Greek eidullion, diminutive of eidos, form, figure; see weid- in Indo-European roots.]
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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Word Origin & History

idyll 
1601, from L. idyllium, from Gk. eidyllion "short, descriptive poem of rustic or pastoral type," lit. "a little picture," dim. of eidos "form" (see -oid). Idyllic first recorded 1856 in Amer.Eng.; lit. "suitable for an idyll; full of natural, simple charm."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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