| English Dictionary |
DIATONIC
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
| IPA (US): |  |
Dictionary entry overview: What does diatonic mean?
• DIATONIC (adjective)
The adjective DIATONIC has 2 senses:
1. based on the standard major or minor scales consisting of 5 tones and 2 semitones without modulation by accidentals
2. based on or using the five tones and two semitones of the major or minor scales of western music
Familiarity information: DIATONIC used as an adjective is rare.
Dictionary entry details
Sense 1
Meaning:
Based on the standard major or minor scales consisting of 5 tones and 2 semitones without modulation by accidentals
Domain category:
music (an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner)
Antonym:
chromatic (based on a scale consisting of 12 semitones)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Based on or using the five tones and two semitones of the major or minor scales of western music
Similar:
tonal (having tonality; i.e. tones and chords organized in relation to one tone such as a keynote or tonic)
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