half step
half step · half steps
полутон
Halbton
The distance between two tonesThe distance between two tones. In 12-tone equal temperament, its frequency ratio is 2^(1/12), or about 1.059 or 18/17.
» There are twelve half steps in an octave.
Meaning
1 senses(US)The distance between two tones. In 12-tone equal temperament, its frequency ratio is 2^(1/12), or about 1.059 or 18/17.
More definitions
- the musical interval between adjacent keys on a keyboard instrument
Examples
3 sentencesThere are twelve half steps in an octave.
A major third has four half steps.
It's very important that we not take a half step forward where we need to take two or three steps.
Forms
plural: half steps| Singular | half step |
|---|---|
| Plural | half steps |
regular
Synonyms
1 synonymsClose in meaning
- the musical interval between adjacent keys on a keyboard instrument:semitone