Greek mode

noun

Definition of Greek mode

: any of several modes in ancient Greek music theory that are often represented as descending diatonic scales each constructed from two tetrachords that are either conjunct (see ¹conjunct 5)or disjunct (see ¹disjunct b)

Illustration of greek mode

There's more!

Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
Advanced search features
Ad free!

First Known Use of greek mode

1785

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up Greek mode? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

WORD OF THE DAY

notorious

play

widely and unfavorably known

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Greek-letter sorority

Greekling

Greek mode

Greekness

Greek Orthodox

Test Your Vocabulary

Words for Summer: A Quiz

Which of the following words means “of or relating to summer”?

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games