monody

noun mon·o·dy \ˈmä-nə-dē\

plural mon·o·dies

Definition of MONODY

: an ode sung by one voice (as in a Greek tragedy)

: an elegy or dirge performed by one person

a : a monophonic vocal piece

b : the monophonic style of 17th century opera

— mo·nod·ic \mə-ˈnä-dik\ or mo·nod·i·cal \-di-kəl\ adjective

Medieval Latin monodia, from Greek monōidia, from monōidos singing alone, from mon- + aeidein to sing — more at ode

First Known Use: circa 1623

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