Polyphony
Pronunciation : Po*lyph"o*ny
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [Gr.
Definition : 1. Multiplicity of sounds, as in the reverberations of an echo.
2. Plurality of sounds and articulations expressed by the same vocal sign.
3. (Mus.)
Defn: Composition in mutually related, equally important parts which share the melody among them; contrapuntal composition; -- opposed to homophony, in which the melody is given to one part only, the others filling out the harmony. See Counterpoint.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913