orchestrate

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to plan, coordinate, and direct the parts of a complex event or operation so they produce a desired result

   The campaign manager helped orchestrate a nationwide series of events.

2. 2
   verb

   to arrange or score a piece of music for performance by an orchestra

   The composer chose to orchestrate the piano suite for full symphony orchestra.

Formed from orchestra + the verb-forming suffix -ate, influenced by French orchestrer. The musical sense came first; the figurative sense compares coordinating a complex plan with assigning and directing the parts of an orchestra.

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