Mel"o*dy (?), n.; pl. Melodies (#). [OE. melodie, F. m'elodie, L. melodia, fr. Gr. a singing, choral song, fr. musical, melodious; song, tune + song. See Ode.]

1.

A sweet or agreeable succession of sounds.

Lulled with sound of sweetest melody. Shak.

2. Mus.

A rhythmical succession of single tones, ranging for the most part within a given key, and so related together as to form a musical whole, having the unity of what is technically called a musical thought, at once pleasing to the ear and characteristic in expression.

Melody consists in a succession of single tones; harmony is a consonance or agreement of tones, also a succession of consonant musical combinations or chords.

3.

The air or tune of a musical piece.

Syn. -- See Harmony.

 

© Webster 1913.