tetrachord

noun

tet·​ra·​chord ˈte-trə-ˌkȯrd How to pronounce tetrachord (audio)
: a diatonic series of four tones with an interval of a perfect fourth between the first and last

Word History

Etymology

Greek tetrachordon, from neuter of tetrachordos of four strings, from tetra- + chordē string — more at yarn

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tetrachord was in 1603

Rhymes for tetrachord

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Browse Nearby Words

tetrachloroethane
tetrachord
tetrachoric
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Cite this Entry

“Tetrachord.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tetrachord. Accessed 26 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

tetrachord

noun
tet·​ra·​chord ˈte-trə-ˌkȯ(ə)rd How to pronounce tetrachord (audio)
: a series of four tones : half an octave

More from Merriam-Webster on tetrachord

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tetrachord

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