organum

[ awr-guh-nuhm ]

noun

, plural or·ga·na [awr, -g, uh, -n, uh], or·ga·nums.

1. an organon.
2. Music.
   1. the doubling, or simultaneous singing, of a melody at an interval of either a fourth, a fifth, or an octave.
   2. the second part in such singing.

organum

/ ˈɔːɡənəm /

noun

1. a form of polyphonic music originating in the ninth century, consisting of a plainsong melody with parts added at the fourth and fifth
2. See organon
   a variant of organon

Word History and Origins

Origin of organum¹

From Latin, dating back to 1605–15; organ

Word History and Origins

Origin of organum¹

C17: via Latin from Greek; see organ

Example Sentences

The Organum (philosophy of first principles) of Aristotle was first publicly taught in 1215.

From Project Gutenberg

Bacon was 60 years of age when his "Novum Organum" was published.

From Project Gutenberg

His fame, too, had been increased by the publication in 1620 of his most celebrated work, the Novum Organum.

From Project Gutenberg

This division is represented, though only imperfectly, by the Novum Organum, particularly book ii.

From Project Gutenberg

This supposition receives some support from the manner in which the fifth part is spoken of in the Novum Organum, i. 116.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• arrangement
• chord
• composition
• melody
• tune
• unity