Sŷm'pho-ny, n.

n. [Fr. symphonie, It. & Sp. sinfonia, Lat. symphonia, Gr. συμφωνία, from σύν, with, and φωνή, a sound, the voice.]

1Sense 1. A consonance or harmony of sounds, agreeable to the ear, whether the sounds are vocal or instrumental, or both.

The trumpets sound, And warlike symphony is heard around. Dryden.

2Sense 2. A stringed instrument somewhat resembling the harp. [Obs.]

3Sense 3. (Mus.) (a.) An elaborate instrumental composition for a full orchestra, consisting usually, like the sonata, of three or four contrasted yet inwardly related movements, as the allegro, the adagio, the minuet and trio, or scherzo, and the finale in quick time. The term has recently been applied to large orchestral works in freer form, and was formerly applied to any compositions for an orchestra, as overtures, &c., and earlier, to certain vocal compositions, and to compositions partly vocal, partly instrumental. (b.) An instrumental passage at the beginning or end, or in the course of, a vocal composition; a ritornello.