agogics

noun plural but usually singular in construction

agog·​ics
ə-ˈgä-jiks,
-ˈgō-giks
1
: the musical theory that rhetorical emphasis involves not only dynamic stress but also the emphasis implied in the greater relative length of the tones to be emphasized compare rubato
2
: the quantitative aspect of musical nuances involving all variations from the rigid basic meter (as of retard, pause, accelerando)

Word History

Etymology

German agogik, from Greek agōgē + German -ik -ics

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of agogics was in 1893

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Cite this Entry

“Agogics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agogics. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.

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