enharmonic

[ en-hahr-mon-ik ]

adjective

, Music.

1. having the same pitch in the tempered scale but written in different notation, as G sharp and A flat.

enharmonic

/ ˌɛnhɑːˈmɒnɪk /

adjective

1. denoting or relating to a small difference in pitch between two notes such as A flat and G sharp: not present in instruments of equal temperament such as the piano, but significant in the intonation of stringed and wind instruments
2. denoting or relating to enharmonic modulation

Derived Forms

• ˌenharˈmonically, adverb

Other Words From

• enhar·moni·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of enharmonic¹

1590–1600; < Late Latin enharmonicus < Greek enarmónios ( -icus replacing -ios ), equivalent to en- en- ¹ + harmoní ( a ) harmony + -os adj. suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of enharmonic¹

C17: from Latin enharmonicus, from Greek enarmonios, from en- ² + harmonia; see harmony

Example Sentences

He does not however say, as he does in the case of the Enharmonic scale, that these species were known by the names of the Keys.

From Project Gutenberg

The special fitness of the notation for the scales of the Enharmonic genus may be regarded as a further indication of its date.

From Project Gutenberg

This seems to bear out the common view of the Enharmonic as produced by the introduction of an 'accidental' or passing note.

From Project Gutenberg

Along with this change we have to note the comparative disuse of the Enharmonic and Chromatic divisions of the tetrachord.

From Project Gutenberg

In the enharmonic, the tetrachord consists of two tones and two "dieses."

From Project Gutenberg