supertonic

[ soo-per-ton-ik ]

noun

, Music.

1. the second tone of a diatonic scale, being the next above the tonic.

supertonic

/ ˌsuːpəˈtɒnɪk /

noun

1. the second degree of a major or minor scale
2. a key or chord based on this

Word History and Origins

Origin of supertonic¹

First recorded in 1800–10; super- + tonic

Example Sentences

In the last measure but one, both the supertonic and leading tone should appear.

From Project Gutenberg

D minor is the supertonic of C major; therefore C major is related to D minor and may be called its flat 7th.

From Project Gutenberg