leading tone

American  

[lee-ding] / ˈli dɪŋ /

noun

Music.

1. the seventh degree of a diatonic scale; subtonic.

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Etymology

Origin of leading tone

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

Si, sē, n. the syllable used for the seventh tone of the scale, or the leading tone.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various

The theme is treated with reverence, delicacy and judgment, and the leading tone is that of a mighty hymn of rejoicing.

From For Every Music Lover A Series of Practical Essays on Music by Moore, Aubertine Woodward

Old coloured prints need narrow black passepartout, while broad passepartout in pink, blue or pale green to match the leading tone in wall paper makes your quaint, old black-and-white prints very decorative.

From The Art of Interior Decoration by Wood, Grace

In the last measure but one, both the supertonic and leading tone should appear.

From A Treatise on Simple Counterpoint in Forty Lessons by Lehmann, Friedrich Johann

Thus the color which was the leading tone of one room became the relieving tint of another.

From Rise and Fall of Cesar Birotteau by Balzac, Honoré de