Emily Dickinson Lexicon

MO-NOT'O-NY, n. [Gr. μονοτονια; μονος, sole, and τονος, sound.]

1. Uniformity of tone or sound; want of inflections of voice in speaking or reading; want of cadence or modulation.
2. Uniformity; sameness; want of variety. At sea, every thing that breaks the monotony of the surrounding expanse attracts attention. Irving.