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polytonality

American  
[pol-ee-toh-nal-i-tee] / ˌpɒl i toʊˈnæl ɪ ti /
Also polytonalism

noun

Music.
  1. the use of more than one key at the same time.


polytonality British  
/ ˌpɒlɪtəʊˈnælɪtɪ /

noun

  1. music the simultaneous use of more than two different keys or tonalities

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of polytonality

First recorded in 1920–25; poly- + tonality

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A silent gaze, like white light being all colors, divulges all things in polyrhythms and polytonality.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 23, 2020

As for Charlap and Rosnes, the contrast between his swinging, bebop precision and her splayed, pulsing polytonality is a special treat.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 13, 2011

The harmony is traditional; no influences of atonality or polytonality can be found.

From New York Times • Jul. 5, 2011

Don't know much about polytonality, as Sam Cooke never sang.

From The Guardian • Feb. 10, 2011

Indeed he did, and as a virtual recluse who had never heard a note of Schoenberg, he set down his inner music, delving into dissonance and polytonality in 1916.

From Time Magazine Archive

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