conductus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowSpecialist, Historical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “conductus” mean?
A specific type of medieval vocal composition.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific type of medieval vocal composition.
A Latin song, sacred or secular, with a single rhythmically uniform text, sung by one to three voices in a style that was important in the development of polyphony.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No meaningful difference in usage or definition; the term is identical across academic English.
Connotations
Identical connotations: academic, historical, musicological.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, confined to specialist contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “conductus” in a Sentence
[The] + conductus + [verb e.g., originated, flourished, was sung]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “conductus” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
N/A
Academic
Used in musicology and historical studies: 'The three-voice conductus of the Notre Dame school is a key subject of her thesis.'
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
A precise term for a specific genre of medieval music.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “conductus”
- Confusing it with 'conductor' or 'conduct'.
- Using it outside a historical/musicological context.
- Mispronouncing the final '-us' as /ju:s/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, etymologically. Both derive from Latin 'conducere' (to lead, bring together), reflecting how the music leads the voices and listeners.
No, it is a strictly historical genre from the 12th to 13th centuries, though modern composers might create works inspired by its style.
It would be highly unusual and likely misunderstood outside a specialist academic discussion about medieval music.
While both are medieval, a Gregorian chant is monophonic (single melodic line) and liturgical, whereas a conductus is often polyphonic (multiple independent voices) and could be sacred or secular.
A specific type of medieval vocal composition.
Conductus is usually specialist, historical, academic in register.
Conductus: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈdʌktəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈdʌktəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'CONDUCT' + 'US' as in 'conducting us' musically through medieval times.
Conceptual Metaphor
JOURNEY (the music 'conducts' or leads the listener through a narrative or devotional path).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'conductus' primarily?