music

Etymology

From Middle English musik, musike, borrowed from Anglo-Norman musik, musike, Old French musique, and their source Latin mūsica, from Ancient Greek μουσική (mousikḗ), from Ancient Greek Μοῦσα (Moûsa, “Muse”), an Ancient Greek deity of the arts. Surface analysis muse + -ic (“pertaining to”). In this sense, displaced native Old English drēam (“music”), whence Modern English dream.

noun

1. A series of sounds organized in time, usually employing some combination of harmony, melody, rhythm, tempo, etc., to convey a mood.
   I keep listening to this music because it’s a masterpiece.
   Music lessons in early childhood lead to changes in the brain that could improve its performance far into adulthood, researchers say. 2013-11-22, Ian Sample, “Music lessons in early childhood may improve brain's performance”, in The Guardian Weekly, volume 189, number 24, page 32
2. (figurative) Any interesting or pleasing sounds.
   “Oh! this was very kind,” she said, with that simplicity and tenderness, which at times made her voice pure music, “I could not have expected you so soon.” 1856, John Esten Cooke, The Virginia Comedians, page 247
3. An art form, created by organizing pitch, rhythm, and sounds made using musical instruments and sometimes singing.
4. A guide to playing or singing a particular tune; sheet music.
5. (military, slang) Electronic signal jamming.
6. (US, slang, dated) Heated argument.
7. (US, slang, dated) Fun; amusement.

verb

1. (transitive) To seduce or entice with music.