semicadence

noun

semi·​cadence
plural semicadences
: a musical cadence that does not end on the tonic (see tonic entry 1 sense 3) note or on a root-position tonic harmony
especially : half cadence

Word History

Etymology

semi- + cadence

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of semicadence was in 1876

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Dictionary Entries Near semicadence

Cite this Entry

“Semicadence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semicadence. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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