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

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Cite this Entry

“Paraphonia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paraphonia. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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