Main Entry: an·ti·phon

Pronunciation: \ˈan-tə-fən, -ˌfän\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English antiphone, from Middle French, from Late Latin antiphona — more at anthem

Date: 15th century

1 : a psalm, anthem, or verse sung responsively
2 : a verse usually from Scripture said or sung before and after a canticle, psalm, or psalm verse as part of the liturgy