microtone

[mahy-kruh-tohn]

noun

1. any musical interval smaller than a semitone, specifically, a quarter tone.

microtone

/ ˈmaɪkrəʊˌtəʊn /

noun

1. any musical interval smaller than a semitone

Other Word Forms

• microtonal adjective
• microtonality noun
• microtonally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of microtone¹

First recorded in 1915–20; micro- + tone

Example Sentences

In a remarkable performance, the Jack Quartet managed to sound free while maintaining control in a central passage of hovering harmonies, built from the overtones of a base microtone.

Read more on New York Times

Tuning a microtone lower than “modern pitch” will further replicate the sound of Beethoven’s era.

Read more on Seattle Times