Hypodorian mode

noun

Hy·​po·​dorian mode

1

: an ancient Greek mode represented on the white keys of the piano by a descending diatonic scale from A to A

called also Locrian mode

see greek mode

2

: a plagal church mode represented on the white keys of the piano by an ascending diatonic scale from A to A with F as its tenor (see tenor entry 1 sense 2a)and D as its final (see final entry 2 sense c) see church mode illustration

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin hypodorius hypodorian (from Greek hypodōrios, from hypo- + Dōrios Dorian) + English -an; hypodorian mode, translation of Greek hypodōria harmonia

First Known Use

1694, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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