tone

[[t]toʊn[/t]]

n. v. toned, ton•ing

1) any sound considered with reference to its quality, pitch, strength, source, etc.:

shrill tones[/ex]

2) quality or character of sound

3) vocal sound; the sound made by vibrating muscular bands in the larynx

4) a particular quality, way of sounding, modulation, or intonation of the voice

5) phn an accent peculiar to a person, people, locality, etc., or a characteristic mode of sounding words in speech

6) ling. phn a pitch or movement in pitch serving to distinguish two words otherwise composed of the same sounds, as in Chinese

7) phn ling. the pitch, relative pitch, or change in pitch of a syllable, word, phrase, etc

8) mad

a) a musical sound of definite pitch, consisting of several partial tones, the lowest being the fundamental and the others the harmonics or overtones

b) mad

whole step

9) fia a quality of color with reference to the degree of absorption or reflection of light; a tint or shade; value

10) a slight modification of a given color; hue

11) fia the prevailing effect of harmony of color and values

12) phl

a) the normal state of tension or responsiveness of the organs or tissues of the body

b) that state of the body or of an organ in which all its functions are performed with healthy vigor

13) psl

a) a normal healthy mental condition

b) psl a particular mental state or disposition

14) lit. a particular style or manner, as of writing or speech; mood

15) prevailing character or style, as of manners, morals, or philosophical outlook:

the liberal tone of the 1960s[/ex]

16) style, distinction, or elegance

17) to sound with a particular tone

18) mad to give the proper tone to (a musical instrument)

19) to modify the tone or general coloring of

20) fia to give the desired tone to (a painting, drawing, etc.)

21) to render as specified in tone or coloring

22) to modify the tone or character of

23) phl psi to give or restore physical or mental tone to

24) to take on a particular tone; assume color or tint

25) phv tone down

a) to become or cause to become softened or moderated

b) fia to make (a painted color) less intense in hue; subdue

26) phv tone up

a) to give a higher or stronger tone to

b) to gain or cause to gain in tone or strength

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Etymology: 1275–1325; ME (n.) < L tonus < Gk tónos cord, band, pitch, tone, der. of teínein to stretch tone′less, adj.