semitone

[ sem-ee-tohn, sem-ahy- ]

nounMusic.
  1. a pitch interval halfway between two whole tones.

Origin of semitone

1
First recorded in 1600–10; semi- + tone

Other words from semitone

  • sem·i·ton·ic [sem-ee-ton-ik, sem-ahy-], /ˌsɛm iˈtɒn ɪk, ˌsɛm aɪ-/, sem·i·ton·al [sem-ee-tohn-l, sem-ahy-], /ˌsɛm iˈtoʊn l, ˌsɛm aɪ-/, adjective
  • sem·i·ton·al·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use semitone in a sentence

  • Modern harps, however, have pedals for raising the natural note of any string by a semi-tone.

  • "Sarey Grimes, to be sure," replied the voice, in a semi-tone of exultation.

    Ask Momma | R. S. Surtees
  • She was perfectly natural about it, a recitative semi-tone yet full of expression and dramatic breadth, at times almost a chant.

    Memories and Anecdotes | Kate Sanborn
  • The leading note is a semi-tone lower than the keynote, and is essential to the modern scales, both major and minor.

  • The difference from just intonation is about one-fiftieth of a semi-tone.

British Dictionary definitions for semitone

semitone

/ (ˈsɛmɪˌtəʊn) /


noun
  1. an interval corresponding to a frequency difference of 100 cents as measured in the system of equal temperament, and denoting the pitch difference between certain adjacent degrees of the diatonic scale (diatonic semitone) or between one note and its sharpened or flattened equivalent (chromatic semitone); minor second: Also called (US and Canadian): half step Compare whole tone

Derived forms of semitone

  • semitonic (ˌsɛmɪˈtɒnɪk), adjective
  • semitonally, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012