Phrygian mode

noun

1
: an ancient Greek mode represented on the white keys of the piano by a descending diatonic scale from D to D see greek mode
2
: an authentic church mode represented on the white keys of the piano by a diatonic scale from E to E with C as its tenor (see tenor entry 1 sense 2a) and E as its final (see final entry 2 sense c) see church mode illustration

Word History

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Phrygian mode was in 1654

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Dictionary Entries Near Phrygian mode

Cite this Entry

“Phrygian mode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Phrygian%20mode. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

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