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subtonic

[suhb-ton-ik]

noun

  1. the seventh tone of a scale, being the next below the upper tonic.



subtonic

/ ʌˈɒɪ /

noun

  1. Also called: leading note.music the seventh degree of a major or minor scale

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of subtonic1

First recorded in 1825–35; sub- + tonic
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The elementary sounds of speech are of three natural divisions; the tonics, the subtonics, and the atonics.

From

They should therefore adhere strictly to their "tonics, subtonics, and atonics;" which classes, though apparently the same as vowels, semivowels, and mutes, are better adapted to their new and peculiar division of these elements.

From

Some syllables that so end, by virtue of tonic or subtonic elements which they may contain, are capable of some prolongation; for example, warp, dart, block, grab, dread, grog.

From

Proceed in a similar manner with the other subtonics.

From

Be careful not to convert the subtonic into a tonic.

From

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