1. A style of medieval vocal music in which two or more melodic lines are sung simultaneously, often with one voice singing a fixed melody while others move more freely.
Usage: music history; also called organum in some contexts
2. Disagreement or discord in sound; a harsh or discordant combination of tones.
Usage: rare; literary

Examples

• Diaphony emerged in the 9th century as composers began layering different melodic lines in sacred music.
• The medieval church developed diaphony as a way to add complexity and richness to plainchant.
• Early diaphony often featured a slow-moving tenor line with a faster-moving upper voice.
• The composer's use of diaphony created a sense of musical depth that was revolutionary for its time.
• In contrast to the pure diaphony of organum, later polyphonic styles allowed for greater independence between voices.