Definition of DITHYRAMB

dithyramb

Meanings

Plural: dithyrambs

Noun

  • a wildly enthusiastic speech or piece of writing
  • (ancient Greece) a passionate hymn (usually in honor of Dionysus)
  • A raucous and ardent choral hymn sung in ancient Athens in honor of the god Dionysus.
  • A poem or oration in the same style.
  • An impassioned speech; a rant.

Origin / Etymology

From Latin dithyrambus, from Ancient Greek δῑθύραμβος (dīthúrambos). According to the American Heritage Dictionary, it is of non-Indo-European origin (Pre-Greek substrate, Illyrian/Phrygian), related to θρίαμβος and ἴαμβος. Brandenstein also compares Sanskrit अङ्ग (aṅga, “member”).

Scrabble Score: 20

dithyramb is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
dithyramb is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
dithyramb is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 20

dithyramb is a valid Words With Friends word