chordal

American  

[kawr-dl] / ˈkɔr dl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling a chord.

2. of or relating to music that is marked principally by vertical harmonic movement rather than by linear polyphony.

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Other Word Forms

• prechordal adjective

Etymology

Origin of chordal

First recorded in 1610–20; chord ² + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Conductor James Gaffigan played a large part in this regenerative approach, leading the National Symphony Orchestra through Bernstein’s confounding chordal corridors with sureness and vigor, and making the composer’s sometimes dowdy patterns feel effortlessly chic.

From Washington Post • Sep. 16, 2022

But Walker’s signature feel for contrast — including alternations between motifs that ring out and peremptory chordal bursts — is still evident.

From New York Times • Jan. 27, 2022

“I’ve always just been drawn to melodies and chordal structures that were unexpected,” she said.

From New York Times • Jan. 19, 2022

But beyond the center, when the quartet plays in unison or in thick chordal passages, is a freer energy on the fringes, almost like the sun with its corona.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 13, 2019

This sounds odd to us, since we take it for granted that the tune of a piece of music sits on top of its chordal accompaniment.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall