just intonation

American  

noun

Music.

1. a system of tuning based on the pure perfect fifth and major third.

---

just intonation British  

noun

1. a form of tuning employing the pitch intervals of the untempered natural scale, sometimes employed in the playing of the violin, cello, etc

---

Etymology

Origin of just intonation

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

just intonation

With this latest just intonation version of “Trio,” Young has perfected his response to the serial tradition.

From New York Times ● Mar. 24, 2022

The six pieces — and just intonation in general — “allow us to rehear sound,” said Tashi Wada, a compilation contributor who admired Pitre as a skater before hearing his music.

From New York Times ● Dec. 28, 2021

Whether or not it aligns your chakras or what-have-you, it could refresh your resistance, or at least set your inner tuning fork humming at a more just intonation.

From Slate ● Mar. 4, 2019

The system also uses the equal-tempered tuning of modern pianos, as well as the more antiquated just intonation, the combination of which results in myriad colors.

From New York Times ● Oct. 7, 2015

A number of YouTube videos provide comparisons that you can listen to, for example comparisons of just intonation and equal temperament, or comparisons of various temperaments.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones