Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Subtonic
Sub-ton′ic
,Adj.
(Phonetics)
Applied to, or distinguishing, a speech element consisting of tone, or proper vocal sound, not pure as in the vowels, but dimmed and otherwise modified by some kind of obstruction in the oral or the nasal passage, and in some cases with a mixture of breath sound; – a term introduced by Dr. James Rush in 1833. See Guide to Pronunciation, §§155, 199-202.
Sub-ton′ic
,Noun.
1.
(Phonetics)
A subtonic sound or element; a vocal consonant, as b, d, g, n, etc.; a subvocal.
2.
(Mus.)
The seventh tone of the scale, or that immediately below the tonic; – called also
subsemitone
. Definition 2024
subtonic
subtonic
English
Adjective
subtonic (not comparable)
- (phonetics, dated) Of or pertaining to imperfectly articulated sounds or utterances that are inaudible or barely audible, as characterized by Dr. James Rush (Guide to Pronunciation, 1833).
Noun
subtonic (plural subtonics)
- (music) The note immediately below the upper note of a musical scale.
- (phonetics, dated) An imperfectly articulated sound or utterance, as characterized by Dr. James Rush (Guide to Pronunciation, 1833).