chironomy

noun

chi·​ron·​o·​my
variants or cheironomy
kīˈränəmē
plural -es
: a method of directing the singing of Gregorian chant by hand gestures indicating the rise and fall of the melody

Word History

Etymology

Latin chironomia, from Greek cheironomia, from cheir- -chir + -nomia management, from nemein to distribute, manage

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near chironomy

Cite this Entry

“Chironomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chironomy. Accessed 18 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!