'polyphony' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'polyphōnia,' where 'poly-' meant 'many' and 'phōnē' meant 'voice.'

'polyphōnia' transformed into the Medieval Latin word 'polyphonia,' and eventually became the modern English word 'polyphony.'

Initially, it meant 'many voices,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a style of musical composition with multiple independent melodies.'