ˈmadrə̇gəl, ˈmaad-, -rēg- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Italian madrigale, from Medieval Latin matricale, from neuter of (assumed) Medieval Latin matricalis simple, from Late Latin, of the womb — more at matric
1. : a medieval short lyrical poem especially of love
2.
a. : a polyphonic part-song originating in the 14th century that has parts for three or more voices and is marked by the use of a secular text and a freely imitative style and counterpoint and that in its later development especially in the 16th and 17th centuries is often marked by a distinct melody in the upper voice and by being designed for accompaniment by strings that either double or replace one or more of the voice parts — compare motet
b. : a part-song of any kind ; especially : glee