n.
(pl. symphonies)
an elaborate musical composition for full orchestra, typically in four movements with at least one in sonata form.
▸chiefly historical an orchestral interlude in a large-scale vocal work.
▸chiefly N. Amer. (especially in names) short for symphony orchestra.
Etymology
ME (denoting any of various instruments such as the dulcimer or the virginal): from OFr. symphonie, via L. from Gk sumphōnia, from sumphōnos ‘harmonious’, from sun- ‘together’ + phōnē ‘sound’.
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