diminished seventh

noun

: a musical interval (see interval sense 2c)that is smaller than a seventh by a semitone

or diminished seventh chord : a seventh chord that is often built on the leading tone, that spans the interval (see interval sense 2c)of a diminished seventh (sense 1), and that consists of three minor thirds

called also diminished chord

see seventh chord

Word History

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of diminished seventh was in 1753

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Diminished seventh.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diminished%20seventh. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation