Emily Dickinson Lexicon
Definition for TUNE
TUNE, n. [Fr. ton; It. tuono; D. toon; W. ton; Ir. tona; L. tonus. It is a different spelling of tone, – which see.]
- A series of musical notes in some particular measure, and consisting of a single series, for one voice or instrument the effect of which is melody; or a union of two or more series or parts to be sung or played in concert, the effect of which is harmony. Thus we say, a merry tune, a lively tune, a grave tune, a psalm tune, a martial tune.
- Sound; note. – Shak.
- Harmony; order; concert of parts. A continual parliament I thought would but keep the commonweal in tune. – K. Charles.
- The state of giving the proper sounds; as when we say, harpsichord is in tune; that is, when the several chords are of that tension, that each gives its proper sound, and the sounds of all are at due intervals, both of tones and semitones.
- Proper state for use or application; right disposition; fit temper or humor. The mind is not in tune for mirth. A child will learn three times as fast when he is in tune, as he will when he is dragged to his task. – Locke.
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