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

Although the metre and dialect are Dorian, the poems breathe the spirit of Aeolian melic poetry.

From Project Gutenberg