Pronunciation: [dˈɛskant] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "descant" can be confusing because of its silent "s". In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /ˈdɛskənt/. The "d" and "c" are pronounced as in the word "desk", while the "a" is pronounced as in "cat". The "n" is pronounced as in "ant" and the "t" is pronounced as in "cent". Despite its unusual spelling, "descant" is a common term in music that refers to a melody sung or played over a main melody.
Descant can be used as both a noun and a verb, with slightly different meanings. As a noun, it refers to a form of music that consists of a melody sung or played above the main theme. This additional melody often adds complexity and richness to the overall composition. It is commonly heard in choral music, where one or more voices provide a descant above the main tune, creating harmonies and adding a distinct layer of sound.
As a verb, descant means to perform a descant or to sing or play a secondary melody above the main theme. It is an improvisational technique that allows musicians to add ornamentation and variety to a piece of music. Descanting can be seen as an expressive way to enhance the original melody, showcasing the musical skills of the performer.
In a broader sense, the word descant can also refer to an extended discussion or commentary on a particular subject. It implies going into detail or exploring different aspects of a topic. This usage is commonly found in literature and academic writings, where authors provide a descant on a certain theme or idea.
Overall, descant is not only a musical technique but also a means of elaboration and embellishment, whether through additional melodies or in-depth discussions.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "descant" comes from the Middle English "descanten", which in turn was derived from the Old French "descanter". The Old French word was borrowed from the Latin "discantāre", which means "to sing in a higher voice". The Latin word combines "dis-" (indicating "separation" or "apart") and "cantāre" (meaning "to sing"). Over time, "descant" has evolved to encompass other meanings, such as a melody sung or played above the main theme or a discussion or commentary on a topic.
