diatonic

[ dahy-uh-ton-ik ]

adjective

, Music.

1. noting those scales that contain five whole tones and two semitones, as the major, minor, and certain modal scales.
2. of or relating to the tones, intervals, or harmonies of such scales.

diatonic

/ ˌdaɪəˈtɒnɪk; ˌdaɪəˈtɒnɪˌsɪzəm /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or based upon any scale of five tones and two semitones produced by playing the white keys of a keyboard instrument, esp the natural major or minor scales forming the basis of the key system in Western music Compare chromatic
2. not involving the sharpening or flattening of the notes of the major or minor scale nor the use of such notes as modified by accidentals

Derived Forms

• ˌdiaˈtonically, adverb
• diatonicism, noun

Other Words From

• dia·toni·cal·ly adverb
• undi·a·tonic adjective
• undi·a·toni·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of diatonic¹

1590–1600; < Late Latin diatonicus < Greek diatonikós; dia-, tonic

Word History and Origins

Origin of diatonic¹

C16: from Late Latin diatonicus, from Greek diatonikos, from diatonos extending, from diateinein to stretch out, from dia- + teinein to stretch

Example Sentences

The keyboard had eleven, twelve, even thirteen keys in diatonic succession without semitones.

From Project Gutenberg

In the Diatonic genus, for example, a semitone must be followed by two tones, so as to make up the interval of a Fourth.

From Project Gutenberg

On the Diatonic scale, according to the same writer, the species of an Octave is distinguished by the places of the two semitones.

From Project Gutenberg

The scholars who connect the ancient Modes with the species generally confine themselves to octaves of the Diatonic genus.

From Project Gutenberg

One was Diatonic, of the 'colour' or variety which Ptolemy recognises as the prevailing one, viz.

From Project Gutenberg