| the division of an octave into 12 equal semitones, as in the tuning of a piano. |
| equal temperament n. Music Modification of the intervals of just intonation in the tuning of instruments of fixed intonation to permit harmonic modulation. It allows one to modulate to or play in any of the 12 major or 12 minor keys. |
equal temperament
in music, a tuning system in which the octave is divided into 12 semitones of equal size. Because it enables keyboard instruments to play in all keys with minimal flaws in intonation, equal temperament replaced earlier tuning systems that were based on acoustically pure intervals, that is, intervals that occur naturally in the overtone series. For a more technical explanation of overtones, see sound: Standing waves
Learn more about equal temperament with a free trial on Britannica.com.
