SINCE 1828

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diminished seventh

noun

Definition of diminished seventh

1 :a musical interval (see interval 2c)that is smaller than a seventh by a semitone

2 or diminished seventh chord :a seventh chord that is often built on the leading tone, that spans the interval (see interval 2c)of a diminished seventh (sense 1), and that consists of three minor thirds — called also diminished chord; see seventh chord

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First Known Use of diminished seventh

1753

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