altered chord

noun

: a chord (such as the augmented sixth chord) with one or more notes that are foreign to the prevailing key : a chord having one or more notes chromatically altered by an accidental

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of altered chord was in 1847

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near altered chord

Cite this Entry

“Altered chord.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/altered%20chord. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!