Nonharmonic

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Describing a tone or note that does not fit within the established harmonic structure of a piece of music ; relating to sounds that are not part of the harmonic series or chord progression ; indicating musical elements that introduce dissonance or tension outside traditional harmony
2. Pertaining to notes that contrast with the underlying harmonic framework by creating dissonance ; connected with musical sounds that stand apart from the primary harmonic intervals or chords ; involving tones that generate tension by deviating from accepted harmonic patterns
3. Relating to musical components that do not conform to the key or chord progression, producing dissonant effects ; associated with notes or frequencies outside the harmonic series ; encompassing elements that disrupt consonant harmony to add contrast or complexity in music

Etymology: "Nonharmonic" is a plain formation: the prefix "non-" (from Latin "non", "not") attached to "harmonic." The base word is itself the interesting part, since "harmonic" traces back to the Greek "harmonikos," meaning "skilled in music" or "relating to harmony," from "harmonia," a joining or fitting together, originally of parts or of things put in order. The prefix does the work here. Adding "non-" to a musical term defines a note or chord by what it is not: a tone that does not belong to the governing harmonic structure of the passage. Because the same "non-" pattern is used widely in English for negation, the coinage reads transparently, and the meaning follows directly from the parts.

Synonyms: dissonant, inharmonic, discordant

Antonyms: harmonic, consonant, melodious