subtonic

[ suhb-ton-ik ]

noun

1. the seventh tone of a scale, being the next below the upper tonic.

subtonic

/ sʌbˈtɒnɪk /

noun

1. music the seventh degree of a major or minor scale Also calledleading note

Word History and Origins

Origin of subtonic¹

First recorded in 1825–35; sub- + tonic

Example Sentences

Some syllables that so end, by virtue of tonic or subtonic elements which they may contain, are capable of some prolongation; for example, warp, dart, block, grab, dread, grog.

From Project Gutenberg

"So gradually as to allow its being engrafted on a subtonic."

From Project Gutenberg

The elementary sounds of speech are of three natural divisions; the tonics, the subtonics, and the atonics.

From Project Gutenberg

Be careful not to convert the subtonic into a tonic.

From Project Gutenberg

The Atonics correspond with the first eleven of the subtonics as given above, from which they differ almost alone in having no vocality.

From Project Gutenberg