An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Of a mathematical function, either continuously increasing or decreasing.

Etymology (EN): From Fr. monotone, from Gk. monotonos “monotonous, of one tone,” from monos, → mono- “single, alone” + tonos “tone” + → -ic.

Etymology (PE): Yeknavâxt “monotonous,” from yek “one, single,” + navâxt“rhythm,” from navâxtan, navâzidan “to play an instrument; to gratify,” navâ “music, song, melody;” Mid.Pers. nw’c “to treat kindly, honour,” niwag “music, melody;” Proto-Iranian *ni-uac-, from *ni- (→ ni-) + *uac- “to speak, treat kindly,” → word.