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descant

noun
des·​cant | \ ˈde-ËŒskant How to pronounce descant (audio) \
variants: or less commonly \ ˈdi-​ËŒskant How to pronounce discant (audio) \

Definition of descant

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1a : a melody or counterpoint sung above the plainsong of the tenor
b : the art of composing or improvising contrapuntal part music also : the music so composed or improvised
c : soprano, treble
d : a superimposed counterpoint to a simple melody sung typically by some or all of the sopranos
2 : discourse or comment on a theme

descant

verb
des·​cant | \ ˈdes-ËŒkant How to pronounce descant (audio) , de-ˈskant How to pronounce descant (audio) , di-ˈskant\
descanted; descanting; descants

Definition of descant (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

1 : to sing or play a descant broadly : sing
2 : comment, discourse
Synonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about descant

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Did You Know?

The prefix des-, meaning "two" or "apart", indicates that the descant is a "second song" apart from the main melody. In popular songs a descant will often be sung at the very end to produce a thrilling climax.

Examples of descant in a Sentence

Verb

 an English professor who loves to descant on his beloved Shakespeare the soprano descanted above the melody line

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

 This is a dark and defensive descant to a more substantial and necessary conversation about whiteness in America. — Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, "N.C. Wyeth painted the world full of beauty, resilience and adventure. And full of white people.," 3 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'descant.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of descant

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for descant

Noun

Middle English dyscant, from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French descaunt, from Medieval Latin discantus, from Latin dis- + cantus song — more at chant

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More Definitions for descant

descant

noun
How to pronounce descant (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of descant

music : a high melody that is sung or played along with the main melody of a song

See the full definition for descant in the English Language Learners Dictionary

More from Merriam-Webster on descant

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with descant

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for descant

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about descant

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