semitone

[ sem-ee-tohn, sem-ahy- ]

noun

, Music.

1. a pitch interval halfway between two whole tones.

semitone

/ ˌsɛmɪˈtɒnɪk; ˈsɛmɪˌtəʊn /

noun

1. an interval corresponding to a frequency difference of 100 cents as measured in the system of equal temperament, and denoting the pitch difference between certain adjacent degrees of the diatonic scale ( diatonic semitone ) or between one note and its sharpened or flattened equivalent ( chromatic semitone ); minor second Also called (US and Canadian)half step Compare whole tone

Derived Forms

• ˌsemiˈtonally, adverb
• semitonic, adjective

Other Words From

• sem·i·ton·ic [sem-ee-, ton, -ik, sem-ahy-], sem·i·ton·al [sem-ee-, tohn, -l, sem-ahy-], adjective
• semi·tonal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of semitone¹

First recorded in 1600–10; semi- + tone

Example Sentences

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

A trill, or rapid reiteration of two notes comprehending an interval not greater than one whole tone, nor less than a semitone.

From Project Gutenberg

A diesis is a quarter tone; hence in a semitone there are included two dieses.

From Project Gutenberg

Everybody shall be like a well-tuned instrument, all sounding in accord, and never a semitone out of the way.

From Project Gutenberg

A Chromatic progression is one in which the pitch is changed a semitone, while the name remains the same.

From Project Gutenberg