altered chord

noun

: a chord (such as the augmented sixth chord) with one or more notes that are foreign to the prevailing key : a chord having one or more notes chromatically altered by an accidental

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of altered chord was in 1847

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near altered chord

Cite this Entry

“Altered chord.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/altered%20chord. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!