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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Symphony \Sym"pho*ny\, n.; pl. {Symphonies}. [F. symphonie (cf.
It. sinfonia), L. symphonia, Gr. ?; sy`n with ? a sound,
the voice. See {Phonetic}.]
1. A consonance or harmony of sounds, agreeable to the ear,
whether the sounds are vocal or instrumental, or both.
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The trumpets sound,
And warlike symphony in heard around. --Dryden.
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2. A stringed instrument formerly in use, somewhat resembling
the virginal.
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With harp and pipe and symphony. --Chaucer.
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3. (Mus.)
(a) An elaborate instrumental composition for a full
orchestra, consisting usually, like the sonata, of
three or four contrasted yet inwardly related
movements, as the allegro, the adagio, the minuet and
trio, or scherzo, and the finale in quick time. The
term has recently been applied to large orchestral
works in freer form, with arguments or programmes to
explain their meaning, such as the "symphonic poems"
of Liszt. The term was formerly applied to any
composition for an orchestra, as overtures, etc., and
still earlier, to certain compositions partly vocal,
partly instrumental.
(b) An instrumental passage at the beginning or end, or in
the course of, a vocal composition; a prelude,
interlude, or postude; a ritornello.
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