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pedal point

noun

Definition of pedal point

: a single tone usually the tonic or dominant that is normally sustained in the bass and sounds against changing harmonies in the other parts

Examples of pedal point in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Growly, subterranean pedal points and eerie screeches signal the three murders, evoked in animated silhouette by Nichols’ artfully gruesome projections. — John Von Rhein, chicagotribune.com, "Chicago Opera Theater's 'Elizabeth Cree' is a bloody good show," 11 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pedal point.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of pedal point

1846, in the meaning defined above

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Time Traveler for pedal point

The first known use of pedal point was in 1846

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More from Merriam-Webster on pedal point

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with pedal point

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pedal point

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