twelve-tone row

noun

: the 12 chromatic tones of the octave placed in a chosen fixed order and constituting with some permitted permutations and derivations the melodic and harmonic material of a serial musical piece

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of twelve-tone row was in 1941

Dictionary Entries Near twelve-tone row

twelve-tone

twelve-tone row

twelve-wired bird of paradise

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Cite this Entry

“Twelve-tone row.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/twelve-tone%20row. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

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