diatonic
pronunciation
How to pronounce diatonic in British English:
UK [ˌdaɪəˈtɒnɪk]
How to pronounce diatonic in American English:
US [ˌdaɪəˈtɑnɪk]
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- Adjective:
- based on the standard major or minor scales consisting of 5 tones and 2 semitones without modulation by accidentals
- based on or using the five tones and two semitones of the major or minor scales of Western music
Word Origin
- diatonic (adj.)
- c. 1600, from French diatonique, from Latin diatonicus, from Greek diatonikos, from diatonos "extending; pertaining to the diatonic scale," from dia- (see dia-) + teinein "to stretch" (see tenet).
Example
- 1. The third tone of the diatonic scale in solfeggio .
- 2. The fourth tone of the diatonic scale in solfeggio .
- 3. Music relating to or based on the fifth tone of a diatonic scale .
- 4. Such intervals calculated upwards in the diatonic major scale are major .
- 5. Relating to or based on the fifth tone of a diatonic scale .