Refine this word faster

Stronger alternatives Opposite tone Use in context Cross-language nuance

Descant

//ˈdɛskænt// noun, verb

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A lengthy discourse on a subject.

    "Upon that simplest of themes how magnificent a descant!"

  2. 2
    a decorative musical accompaniment (often improvised) added above a basic melody wordnet
  3. 3
    A counterpoint melody sung or played above the theme.
Verb
  1. 1
    To discuss at length. intransitive

    "but shun the establishment of a bachelor who has hung a pendulum between temptation and prudence till the age of———but of all subjects, age is the one on which it is most invidious to descant."

  2. 2
    talk at great length about something of one's interest wordnet
  3. 3
    To sing or play a descant. intransitive
  4. 4
    sing by changing register; sing by yodeling wordnet
  5. 5
    sing in descant wordnet

Etymology

Etymology 1

From Anglo-Norman descaunt, from Medieval Latin discantus. Doublet of discant.

Etymology 2

From Anglo-Norman descaunt, from Medieval Latin discantus. Doublet of discant.

See also for "descant"

Synonyms Antonyms Rhymes Sentences Translate Word Type Pronunciation Word Forms

Next best steps

Find stronger synonymsSee usage examplesCheck pronunciation

Mini challenge

Unscramble this word: descant