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toned - 3 dictionary results

tone

[tohn] ,noun, verb, toned, ton⋅ing.
–noun
1. any sound considered with reference to its quality, pitch, strength, source, etc.: shrill tones.
2. quality or character of sound.
3. vocal sound; the sound made by vibrating muscular bands in the larynx.
4. a particular quality, way of sounding, modulation, or intonation of the voice as expressive of some meaning, feeling, spirit, etc.: a tone of command.
5. an accent peculiar to a person, people, locality, etc., or a characteristic mode of sounding words in speech.
6. stress of voice on a syllable of a word.
7. Linguistics. a musical pitch or movement in pitch serving to distinguish two words otherwise composed of the same sounds, as in Chinese.
8. Music.
a. a musical sound of definite pitch, consisting of several relatively simple constituents called partial tones, the lowest of which is called the fundamental tone and the others harmonics or overtones.
b. an interval equivalent to two semitones; a whole tone; a whole step.
c. any of the nine melodies or tunes to which Gregorian plainsong psalms are sung.
9. a quality of color with reference to the degree of absorption or reflection of light; a tint or shade; value.
10. that distinctive quality by which colors differ from one another in addition to their differences indicated by chroma, tint, shade; a slight modification of a given color; hue: green with a yellowish tone.
11. Art. the prevailing effect of harmony of color and values.
12. Physiology.
a. the normal state of tension or responsiveness of the organs or tissues of the body.
b. that state of the body or of an organ in which all its functions are performed with healthy vigor.
c. normal sensitivity to stimulation.
13. a normal healthy mental condition.
14. a particular mental state or disposition; spirit, character, or tenor.
15. a particular style or manner, as of writing or speech; mood: the macabre tone of Poe's stories.
16. prevailing character or style, as of manners, morals, or philosophical outlook: the liberal tone of the 1960's.
17. style, distinction, or elegance.
–verb (used with object)
18. to sound with a particular tone.
19. to give the proper tone to (a musical instrument).
20. to modify the tone or general coloring of.
21. to give the desired tone to (a painting, drawing, etc.).
22. Photography. to change the color of (a print), esp. by chemical means.
23. to render as specified in tone or coloring.
24. to modify the tone or character of.
25. to give or restore physical or mental tone to.
–verb (used without object)
26. to take on a particular tone; assume color or tint.
27. tone down,
a. to become or cause to become softened or moderated: The newspaper toned down its attack.
b. Painting. to make (a color) less intense in hue; subdue.
28. tone up,
a. to give a higher or stronger tone to.
b. to gain or cause to gain in tone or strength: toning up little-used muscles.
29. tone with or in with, to harmonize in tone or coloring; blend: The painting tones with the room.

Origin:
1275–1325; ME (n.) < L tonus < Gk tónos strain, tone, mode, lit., a stretching, akin to teínein to stretch


toneless, adjective
tone⋅less⋅ly, adverb
tone⋅less⋅ness, noun


1. See sound 1 . 15. spirit, quality, temper.
tone   (tōn)   
n.  
  1. Music
    1. A sound of distinct pitch, quality, and duration; a note.
    2. The interval of a major second in the diatonic scale; a whole step.
    3. A recitational melody in a Gregorian chant.
    4. The quality or character of sound.
    5. The characteristic quality or timbre of a particular instrument or voice.
    6. The pitch of a word used to determine its meaning or to distinguish differences in meaning.
    7. The particular or relative pitch of a word, phrase, or sentence.
    8. A color or shade of color: light tones of blue.
    9. Quality of color: The green wallpaper had a particularly somber tone.
    10. The normal state of elastic tension or partial contraction in resting muscles.
    11. Normal firmness of a tissue or an organ.
    1. The quality or character of sound.
    2. The characteristic quality or timbre of a particular instrument or voice.
    3. The pitch of a word used to determine its meaning or to distinguish differences in meaning.
    4. The particular or relative pitch of a word, phrase, or sentence.
    5. A color or shade of color: light tones of blue.
    6. Quality of color: The green wallpaper had a particularly somber tone.
    7. The normal state of elastic tension or partial contraction in resting muscles.
    8. Normal firmness of a tissue or an organ.
    1. The pitch of a word used to determine its meaning or to distinguish differences in meaning.
    2. The particular or relative pitch of a word, phrase, or sentence.
    3. A color or shade of color: light tones of blue.
    4. Quality of color: The green wallpaper had a particularly somber tone.
    5. The normal state of elastic tension or partial contraction in resting muscles.
    6. Normal firmness of a tissue or an organ.
  2. Manner of expression in speech or writing: took an angry tone with the reporters.
  3. A general quality, effect, or atmosphere: a room with an elegant tone.
    1. A color or shade of color: light tones of blue.
    2. Quality of color: The green wallpaper had a particularly somber tone.
    3. The normal state of elastic tension or partial contraction in resting muscles.
    4. Normal firmness of a tissue or an organ.
  4. The general effect in painting of light, color, and shade.
  5. Physiology
    1. The normal state of elastic tension or partial contraction in resting muscles.
    2. Normal firmness of a tissue or an organ.
v.   toned, ton·ing, tones

v.   tr.
  1. To give a particular tone or inflection to.
  2. To soften or change the color of (a painting or photographic negative, for example).
  3. To sound monotonously; intone.
  4. To make firmer or stronger. Often used with up: exercises that tone up the body.
v.   intr.
  1. To assume a particular color quality.
  2. To harmonize in color.
Phrasal Verb(s):
tone downTo make less vivid, harsh, or violent; moderate.

[Middle English ton, from Old French, from Latin tonus, from Greek tonos, string, a stretching; see ten- in Indo-European roots.]

Toned

Toned\, a. Having (such) a tone; -- chiefly used in composition; as, high-toned; sweet-toned.

Toned paper, paper having a slight tint, in distinction from paper which is quite white.
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