tonetic

/ təʊˈnɛtɪk /

adjective

1. (of a language) distinguishing words semantically by distinction of tone as well as by other sounds See tone language

Derived Forms

• toˈnetically, adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of tonetic¹

C20: from tone + -etic, as in phonetic

Example Sentences

“The source material is extremely tonetic, to use the industry term,” said Karl Aaronian, senior vice president of marketing for Playmates Toys.

From New York Times