/sim"feuh nee/ , n. , pl. symphonies .
1. Music.
a. an elaborate instrumental composition in three or more movements, similar in form to a sonata but written for an orchestra and usually of far grander proportions and more varied elements.
b. an instrumental passage occurring in a vocal composition, or between vocal movements in a composition.
c. an instrumental piece, often in several movements, forming the overture to an opera or the like.
2. See symphony orchestra .
3. a concert performed by a symphony orchestra.
4. anything characterized by a harmonious combination of elements, esp. an effective combination of colors.
5. harmony of sounds.
6. Archaic. agreement; concord.
[ 1250-1300; ME symfonye symphonie symphonia concert symphonía harmony. See SYM-, -PHONY ]