polyrhythm

American  

[pol-ee-rith-uhm] / ˈpɒl iˌrɪð əm /

noun

Music.

1. the simultaneous occurrence of sharply contrasting rhythms within a composition.

---

polyrhythm British  

/ ˈpɒlɪˌrɪðəm /

noun

1. music a style of composition in which each part exhibits different rhythms

---

Other Word Forms

• polyrhythmic adjective
• polyrhythmically adverb

Etymology

Origin of polyrhythm

First recorded in 1925–30; poly- + rhythm

Example Sentences

After his lessons with Smith, Naqvi was best known as the drummer from Dawn of Midi, a mesmerizing trio that approached polyrhythm with a thrilling, almost scientific tenacity.

From Washington Post

It lays out a polyrhythm of events and exhibitions, but rarely repeats itself.

From New York Times

His voice, a velvety baritone, has a suave composure that can hint at easy assurance or a melancholy reticence, and while his melodies don’t immediately seem sharp-edged, he places each note to add yet another layer of polyrhythm.

From New York Times

I was interested in polyrhythm because we made the connection between drum rhythms and coding because drums themselves have been used for wireless communication.

From New York Times

Drummers kept them in a polyrhythm.

From New York Times