n. (pl. -ies)
1. an elaborate composition usu. for full orchestra, and in several movements with one or more in sonata form.
2 an interlude for orchestra alone in a large-scale vocal work.
3 symphony orchestra.
Phrases and idioms:
symphony orchestra a large orchestra suitable for playing symphonies etc.
Etymology: ME, harmony of sound, f. OF symphonie f. L symphonia f. Gk sumphonia (as SYN-, - phonos f. phone sound)