just intonation

American  

noun

Music.

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

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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

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Etymology

Origin of just intonation

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

Pitre has used the same traits that made him a street-skating phenom — ageless rebelliousness, intractable focus, unwavering restlessness — to inspire younger musicians also exploring just intonation.

From New York Times • Dec. 28, 2021

During the last dozen years, he has emerged as an apostle of just intonation, an ancient tuning system tied to Indian and Chinese traditions but often ignored by Western composers.

From New York Times • Dec. 28, 2021

In its simplest terms, just intonation means that the ratios between notes are whole numbers, rather than the irrational ratios that divide the octave in the familiar framework of equal temperament.

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

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