What is the term for a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds?

The term that refers to a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds is "cacophony." This word is derived from the Greek "kakophonia," which means "bad sound." It is often used to describe a situation where various sounds clash and create an unpleasant auditory experience, such as the noise made by a large group of people talking at once or the combination of dissonant musical notes.

In contrast, "harmony" refers to a pleasing arrangement of sounds that are typically in sync and complement each other. "Melody" signifies a sequence of musical notes that are perceived as a single entity, creating a tuneful line that is often more pleasant than a cacophony. "Symphony," on the other hand, is a longer composition for orchestra, characterized by its structured musical arrangement and typically harmonious sound, which is quite different from the concept of discord. Understanding these distinctions helps in grasping the essence of auditory experiences and enhancing auditory perception.