tri-tonal
|tri-ton-al|
🇺🇸
/ˌtraɪˈtoʊnəl/
🇬🇧
/ˌtraɪˈtəʊnəl/
having three tones
Etymology
'tri-tonal' originates from the combining prefix 'tri-' (from Latin, specifically the word 'tres'), where 'tri-' meant 'three', and 'tonal' which ultimately comes from Greek 'tonos' via Latin/French meaning 'tone'.
'tri-' (Latin 'tres') + 'tonal' (from Latin/French < Greek 'tonos') were combined in modern English to form 'tri-tonal' (compound formation reflecting 'three' + 'relating to tone').
Initially the components meant 'three' and 'relating to tone'; over time the compound came to mean specifically 'having or relating to three tones' in musical and linguistic contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having or employing three tones (three distinct pitch classes or sonorities); composed of or relating to three tones, especially in music or sound organization.
The composer used a tri-tonal scale to create an unusual harmonic effect.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/27 18:37