Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
polymetry

polymetry

9.9
Two or more different beat patterns played together in music
  • noun
  • /ˌpɒlɪˈmɛtri/
  • Specialized
: polimetría
  • The composer employs polymetry to create complex layers of sound in the orchestral score.

Examples

  • African drumming often features polymetry, with several meters interacting in a single performance.

  • By experimenting with polymetry, the band produced unique and unexpected rhythmic textures in their latest album.

  • The composer experimented with polymetry in his latest symphony.

  • Many modern pieces incorporate polymetries to create unique rhythms.

  • African drumming often features polymetry, with several meters interacting in a single performance.

  • By experimenting with polymetry, the band produced unique and unexpected rhythmic textures in their latest album.

  • The composer employs polymetry to create complex layers of sound in the orchestral score.

Surface Forms

polymetry singular
polymetries plural

Morphology

polymetry = meter (semi-transparent) = poly + metr + y

The meaning is largely compositional from 'poly-' plus 'meter', but the specialized musical sense and the spelling make it slightly less straightforward for learners.

Etymology

Polymetry comes from poly- meaning 'many' and meter meaning 'measure' or 'rhythm', like the same meter we talk about in a poem or song. So polymetry is literally 'many measures', which is why it means using two or more different metres at the same time in music.