monody

mon·o·dy

noun \ˈmä-nə-dē\

plural mon·o·dies

Definition of MONODY

1

: an ode sung by one voice (as in a Greek tragedy)

2

: an elegy or dirge performed by one person

3

a : a monophonic vocal piece b : the monophonic style of 17th century opera

— mo·nod·ic \mə-ˈnä-dik\ or mo·nod·i·cal \-di-kəl\ adjective

Origin of MONODY

Medieval Latin monodia, from Greek monōidia, from monōidos singing alone, from mon- + aeidein to sing — more at ode

First Known Use: circa 1623