Dictionary entry

Intonation (2)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

In′to‐na″tion, n. [Cf. F. intonation. See Intone.] (Mus.) (a) The act of sounding the tones of the musical scale. (b) Singing or playing in good tune or otherwise; as, her intonation was false. (c) Reciting in a musical prolonged tone; intonating, or singing of the opening phrase of a plain-chant, psalm, or canticle by a single voice, as of a priest. See Intone, v. t.