pedal point

noun

Music.

1. a tone sustained by one part, usually the bass, while other parts progress without reference to it.

2. a passage containing it.

pedal point

/ ˈpɛdəl /

noun

1. Often shortened to: pedal. music a sustained bass note, over which the other parts move bringing about changing harmonies

Word History and Origins

Origin of pedal point¹

First recorded in 1875–80