stichomythia

[ stik-uh-mith-ee-uh ]
/ ˌstɪk əˈmɪθ i ə /

noun

dramatic dialogue, as in a Greek play, characterized by brief exchanges between two characters, each of whom usually speaks in one line of verse during a scene of intense emotion or strong argumentation.

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decorum
the act of or need for making up one's mind.
dignified propriety of behavior, speech, dress, etc.
a company of singers, especially an organized group employed in church service.
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Also sti·chom·y·thy [sti-kom-uh-thee] /stɪˈkɒm ə θi/.

Origin of stichomythia

1860–65; < Greek stichomȳthía, equivalent to stícho(s) (see stich1) + -mȳthia (mŷth(os) speech, story + -ia -ia)

OTHER WORDS FROM stichomythia

stich·o·myth·ic, adjective

Words nearby stichomythia

stibnite, stich, sticharion, stichic, stichometry, stichomythia, stick, stick around, stick at, stick by, stick down
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

British Dictionary definitions for stichomythia

stichomythia

stichomythy (stɪˈkɒmɪθɪ)

/ (ˌstɪkəʊˈmɪθɪə) /

noun

a form of dialogue originating in Greek drama in which single lines are uttered by alternate speakers

Derived forms of stichomythia

stichomythic, adjective

Word Origin for stichomythia

C19: from Greek stikhomuthein to speak alternate lines, from stikhos line + muthos speech; see myth
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