■ noun ( plural symphonies ) an elaborate musical composition for full orchestra, typically in four movements with at least one in sonata form.
↘ chiefly historical an orchestral interlude in a large-scale vocal work.
↘ chiefly N. Amer. (especially in names) short for ~ orchestra .
Origin
ME (denoting any of various instruments such as the dulcimer or the virginal): from OFr. symphonie , via L. from Gk sumphōnia , from sumphōnos 'harmonious', from sun- 'together' + phōnē 'sound'.