hexachord

noun

hexa·​chord ˈhek-sə-ˌkȯrd How to pronounce hexachord (audio)
: a diatonic series of six tones having a semitone between the third and fourth tones

Word History

Etymology

hexa- + Greek chordē string — more at yarn

First Known Use

1730, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hexachord was in 1730

Dictionary Entries Near hexachord

Cite this Entry

“Hexachord.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hexachord. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on hexachord

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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