subtonic

noun

sub·​ton·​ic ˌsəb-ˈtä-nik How to pronounce subtonic (audio)
: leading tone

Word History

Etymology

from its being a half tone below the upper tonic

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subtonic was in 1817

Rhymes for subtonic

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Browse Nearby Words

subtone
subtonic
subtopia
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Cite this Entry

“Subtonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subtonic. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

subtonic

noun
sub·​ton·​ic ˌsəb-ˈtän-ik How to pronounce subtonic (audio)
ˈsəb-
: leading tone
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