1. Plural of coryphaeus; leaders or chief members of a group, especially in ancient Greek drama or chorus.
Usage: classical; formal; chiefly historical
2. In ancient Greek theater, the leaders of the chorus who spoke on behalf of the group.
Usage: classical; theater history

Examples

• The coryphaei of the ancient Greek chorus delivered the most important lines.
• In classical drama, the coryphaei represented the voice of the collective.
• The coryphaei led the other chorus members in their theatrical performance.
• Scholars study the role of coryphaei to understand ancient dramatic conventions.
• The coryphaei were typically the most skilled and experienced performers.