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Polyphonic vs Multiphonic - What's the difference?

polyphonic | multiphonic | see also |

In lang=en terms the difference between polyphonic and multiphonic

is that polyphonic is having two or more independent but harmonic melodies; contrapuntal while multiphonic is having the character of multiphonics: sounding two or more pitches at the same time.

As adjectives the difference between polyphonic and multiphonic

is that polyphonic is of, or relating to polyphony while multiphonic is having the character of multiphonics: sounding two or more pitches at the same time.

polyphonic

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • of, or relating to polyphony
  • (music) having two or more independent but harmonic melodies; contrapuntal
  • (of an electronic device) able to play more than one musical note at the same time

    • Derived terms

    * polyphonic ringtone

    multiphonic

    English

    Adjective

    (-)
  • (music) Having the character of multiphonics: sounding two or more pitches at the same time
  • *{{quote-news, 2009, January 22, Nate Chinen, A Single Jazz Band, by Way of Two Trios, New York Times citation
    • , passage=He prefaced his next song with a row of hard, multiphonic squawks, sounding like a truck horn. }}

    See also

    *polyphonic *(Multiphonics)