Which term refers to harsh, inharmonious, or discordant sounds?

The correct term that refers to harsh, inharmonious, or discordant sounds is cacophony. Cacophony specifically describes a mixture of sounds that are jarring and unpleasant to hear, often characterized by a lack of harmony and a sense of chaos. This term is commonly used in poetry and literature to convey a sense of discord or to evoke a strong emotional response from the reader through sound.

Dissonance, while similar, typically refers to the tension or clash resulting from the combination of two or more musical notes that are not in harmony. It can denote a broader range of conflict in sound but does not exclusively imply harshness. Euphony, on the other hand, refers to pleasant, harmonious sounds and is considered the opposite of cacophony. Harmony suggests a pleasing arrangement and blending of sounds, further contrasting with the idea of discordance inherent in cacophony. Thus, recognizing the nuance between these terms is essential for accurately portraying the intended auditory experience in literary contexts.