unison
nounattested in dialogue
- //ˈjunɪsən//
- //ˈjunɪzən//
Identical pitch between two notes or sounds; the simultaneous playing of notes of identical pitch (or separated by one or more octaves).
noun
- 1
Identical pitch between two notes or sounds; the simultaneous playing of notes of identical pitch (or separated by one or more octaves).
The unison has a pitch ratio of 1:1.
The young principal timpanist, Timothy Genis, was superb throughout, though his sidekick timpanist sometimes lagged in the final unisons.
- 2
A sound or note having the same pitch as another, especially when used as the base note for an interval; a unison string.
I could not behold him without emotion; when he accosted me, his well-known voice made my heart vibrate, like a musical chord, when its unison is struck.
- 3
The state of being in harmony or agreement; harmonious agreement or togetherness, synchronisation.
Everyone moved in unison, but the sudden change in weight distribution capsized the boat.
- 4
Two or more voices speaking or singing the same words together.
Etymology
From Middle English unisoun, from Middle French unisson, from Medieval Latin ūnisonus (“having the same sound”), from ūni- + sonus (“sound”).
Forms
- plural
- unisons
unison · Identical pitch between two notes or sounds; the simultaneous playing of notes of identical pitch (or separated by one or more octaves).
UNISON · A public-sector trade union in the United Kingdom.unit · Oneness, singularity, seen as a component of a whole number;…unite · To bring together as one.