Main Entry: in·to·na·tion

Pronunciation: \ˌin-tə-ˈnā-shən, -(ˌ)tō-\

Function: noun

Date: 1620

1 : something that is intoned; specifically : the opening tones of a Gregorian chant
2 : the act of intoning and especially of chanting
3 : the ability to play or sing notes in tune
4 : manner of utterance; specifically : the rise and fall in pitch of the voice in speech

— in·to·na·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-n^əl\ adjective