tetrachord

noun

tet·​ra·​chord ˈte-trə-ˌkȯrd How to pronounce tetrachord (audio)
: a diatonic series of four tones with an interval of a perfect fourth between the first and last

Word History

Etymology

Greek tetrachordon, from neuter of tetrachordos of four strings, from tetra- + chordē string — more at yarn

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tetrachord was in 1603

Dictionary Entries Near tetrachord

Cite this Entry

“Tetrachord.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tetrachord. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

tetrachord

noun
tet·​ra·​chord ˈte-trə-ˌkȯ(ə)rd How to pronounce tetrachord (audio)
: a series of four tones : half an octave

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