melic

[mel-ik]

adjective

1. intended to be sung.

2. noting or pertaining to the more elaborate form of Greek lyric poetry, as distinguished from iambic and elegiac poetry.

melic

/ ˈmɛlɪk /

adjective

1. (of poetry, esp ancient Greek lyric poems) intended to be sung

Word History and Origins

Origin of melic¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; from Latin melicus, from Greek melikós, equivalent to mél(os) “limb; feature, form; musical member or phrase, song” + -ikos -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of melic¹

C17: via Latin from Greek melikos, from melos song

Example Sentences

Melic, mel′ik, adj. pertaining to song.

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The Greeks, even in their melic poetry, saw no need for it.

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Melic grass, a kind of grass eaten by cattle.

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There were during the Renaissance numerous attempts at distinguishing these forms, but on the whole all of them are fundamentally equivalent to that of Minturno, who recognizes three genres,—the lyric or melic, the dramatic or scenic, and the epic or narrative.

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Though lofty Cal�'s warlike towers he rear; Though haughty Melic groan beneath his spear; All these, and Diu yielded to his name, Are but th' embroid'ry of his nobler fame.

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