quarter tone

noun

1
: a musical interval of one half a semitone
2
: a tone at an interval of one quarter

Word History

First Known Use

1673, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of quarter tone was in 1673

Dictionary Entries Near quarter tone

quarter timber

quarter tone

quarter-turn drive

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on quarter tone

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about quarter tone

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