dithyramb

dith·y·ramb  (dth-rm, -rmb)

n.

1. A frenzied, impassioned choric hymn and dance of ancient Greece in honor of Dionysus.

2. An irregular poetic expression suggestive of the ancient Greek dithyramb.

3. A wildly enthusiastic speech or piece of writing.

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[Latin dthyrambus, from Greek dthurambos.]

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dithy·rambic adj.

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dithyramb [ˈdɪθɪˌræm -ˌræmb]

n

1. (Literature / Poetry) (in ancient Greece) a passionate choral hymn in honour of Dionysus; the forerunner of Greek drama

2. (Literary & Literary Critical Terms) any utterance or a piece of writing that resembles this

[from Latin dīthyrambus, from Greek dithurambos; related to iambos iamb]

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dithyramb

Ancient Greece. a choral chant of a wild and abandoned nature; hence, any poem or similar composition of this nature, especially one of irregular form. — dithyrambic, adj.

See also: Greece and Greeks

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	dithyramb - a wildly enthusiastic speech or piece of writing piece of writing, written material, writing - the work of a writer; anything expressed in letters of the alphabet (especially when considered from the point of view of style and effect); "the writing in her novels is excellent"; "that editorial was a fine piece of writing" speech, address - the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience; "he listened to an address on minor Roman poets"
	2.	dithyramb - (ancient Greece) a passionate hymn (usually in honor of Dionysus) hymn, anthem - a song of praise (to God or to a saint or to a nation) Ellas, Greece, Hellenic Republic - a republic in southeastern Europe on the southern part of the Balkan peninsula; known for grapes and olives and olive oil antiquity - the historic period preceding the Middle Ages in Europe