1 organum | Definition of organum

organum

noun
or·​ga·​num | \ ˈȯr-gÉ™-nÉ™m How to pronounce organum (audio) \

Definition of organum

1 : early polyphony of the late Middle Ages that consists of one or more voice parts accompanying the cantus firmus often in parallel motion at a fourth, fifth, or octave above or below also : a composition in this style
2 : organon

First Known Use of organum

1620, in the meaning defined at sense 2

History and Etymology for organum

Medieval Latin, from Latin, organ

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More from Merriam-Webster on organum

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about organum