supertonic

[ soo-per-ton-ik ]

noun

, Music.

1. the second tone of a diatonic scale, being the next above the tonic.

supertonic

/ ˌsuːpəˈtɒnɪk /

noun

1. the second degree of a major or minor scale
2. a key or chord based on this

Word History and Origins

Origin of supertonic¹

First recorded in 1800–10; super- + tonic

Example Sentences

Not infrequently the theme ends on the leading note or supertonic which strikes the ear with a perpetual surprise, the cadence leading one to anticipate a repetition rather than a conclusion of the air.

From Project Gutenberg

The cream is made in three color tones—the vanilla being the subdominant, as the chord is of subdominant character; the strawberry being the submediant, and the restful green the lowered supertonic or altered tone.”

From Project Gutenberg

In the last measure but one, both the supertonic and leading tone should appear.

From Project Gutenberg