- polyphony (n.)
- 1828, "multiplicity of sounds," from Greek polyphonia "variety of sounds," from polyphonos "having many sounds or voices," from polys "many" (see poly-) + phone "voice, sound," from PIE root *bha- (2) "to speak, tell, say" (see fame (n.)). The meaning "counterpoint" (1864) is perhaps a back-formation from the adjective.
