Music
/ˈmjuː.zɪk/noun
The art of arranging sounds in time to produce a composition through the elements of melody, harmony, rhythm, and timbre.
Did you know?The ancient Greeks believed music was a divine gift that could influence emotions and even the cosmos, linking it to their gods and the harmony of the universe.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*men-
“to think, to remember, to reflect”
Ancient Greek
Greek
μουσική (mousikē)
“art of the Muses, pertaining to music and the arts”
Late Latin
Latin
musica
“the art of music, derived from Greek references to the Muses”
Old French
Old French
musique
“the art of music, inherited from Latin”
Middle English
Middle English
musike
“the art or science of music, influenced by Old French”
Modern English
English
music
“the art and science of sound organization, encompassing various forms and genres.”