Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

scordatura

noun
scor·​da·​tu·​ra | \ ˌskȯ(r)dəˈtu̇rə\
plural scordature\ -​u̇rā \ or scordaturas

Definition of scordatura

: an unusual tuning of a stringed musical instrument for some special effect

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!

History and Etymology for scordatura

Italian, from scordato (past participle of scordare to be out of tune, from Latin discordare to disagree, be out of tune) + -ura -ure (from Latin)

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about scordatura

Dictionary Entries near scordatura

scorcher

scorching hot

scorchy

scordatura

scordium

score

scoreboard

Statistics for scordatura

Look-up Popularity

Comments on scordatura

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

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

redoubtable

Listen to the pronounciation of redoubtable

formidable, illustrious, or eminent

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

The Exceptions Quiz III

  • one green toy robot amidst many red toy robots
  • Which of these words does not mean "nonsense"?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

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

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games