anhemitonic
|an-he-mi-ton-ic|
🇺🇸
/ˌænˌhɛmɪˈtɑnɪk/
🇬🇧
/ˌænˌhɛmɪˈtɒnɪk/
without semitones (in a scale)
Etymology
'anhemitonic' originates from Greek elements, specifically the prefix 'an-' meaning 'not, without' and 'hemitonic' (from 'hemi-' meaning 'half' and 'tonos' meaning 'tone'), with the adjectival suffix '-ic'.
'anhemitonic' was formed in English by adding the prefix 'an-' to 'hemitonic' and eventually became the modern English word 'anhemitonic'.
Initially, it meant 'without semitones (of a scale)', and this meaning has remained in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
describing a scale or collection of pitches that contains no semitones (half steps).
The anhemitonic pentatonic scale avoids half steps, creating a smooth, open sound.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/10 16:37