hexachord

noun

hexa·chord ˈhek-sə-ˌkȯrd

: 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

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Hexachord.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hexachord. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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