tone

²tone

verb

tonedton·ing

Definition of TONE

transitive verb

1

: intone

2

: to give a particular intonation or inflection to

3

a : to impart tone to : strengthen <medicine to tone up the system> b : to soften or reduce in intensity, color, appearance, or sound : mellow —often used with down c : to change the normal silver image of (as a photographic print) into a colored image

intransitive verb

1

: to assume a pleasing color quality or tint

2

: to blend or harmonize in color

First Known Use of TONE

1660