How Do You Spell SUBSEMITONE?

Pronunciation: [sˈʌbsɪmˌɪtə͡ʊn] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "Subsemitone" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The word is pronounced as /sʌbˈsɛmɪtoʊn/, with the emphasis on the second syllable. "Sub-" means "under", and "semitone" refers to a musical interval. Therefore, a "Subsemitone" refers to a musical interval smaller than a semitone, commonly known as a microtone. The word may not be commonly used, but its spelling and pronunciation can be important in musical practice and theory.

SUBSEMITONE Meaning and Definition

1. Subsemitone refers to an interval in music theory that is smaller or narrower than a semitone. A semitone, also known as a half step, is the smallest distance between two adjacent notes within a Western musical scale. In the context of the chromatic scale, a semitone corresponds to moving from one key to the very next one on a piano keyboard.

   The term "subsemitone" is often used to describe an even smaller musical interval, one that is less than a semitone. It can refer to a quarter tone, which is half the size of a semitone, or even smaller divisions of the musical scale. This concept is particularly relevant in microtonal music systems, where composers and musicians explore the vast array of intervals that fall between the notes of the conventional twelve-tone scale.

   In practice, subsemitones are produced by bending the pitch of a string, using specialized instruments or techniques, or by utilizing electronic equipment that can manipulate the frequency of a sound wave. By employing subsemitones, musicians can achieve subtle and complex tonal variations that add nuance and depth to their compositions and performances.

   Overall, the term "subsemitone" describes an interval smaller than a semitone, allowing for a finer-grained musical language and expanded harmonic possibilities beyond the established Western music tradition.

2. • In music, the leading note or sharp seventh of any key.

   • In music, the leading note or semitone next below the tonic; the sharp seventh.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for SUBSEMITONE

• aubsemitone
• zubsemitone
• xubsemitone
• dubsemitone
• eubsemitone
• wubsemitone
• sybsemitone
• shbsemitone
• sjbsemitone
• sibsemitone
• s8bsemitone
• s7bsemitone
• suvsemitone
• sunsemitone
• suhsemitone
• sugsemitone
• subaemitone
• subzemitone
• subxemitone
• subdemitone

Etymology of SUBSEMITONE

The word "subsemitone" is derived from the Latin root "sub", meaning "under". The term signifies a pitch or interval that is smaller or narrower than a semitone, with "semitone" referring to the distance between two adjacent keys on a piano or the interval between two adjacent notes in Western music. Therefore, "subsemitone" indicates a pitch or interval lower than a semitone.