1. relating to or involving a semitone, the smallest interval used in Western music
Usage: music theory

Examples

• The semitonic relationship between E and F creates tension in the melody.
• Jazz musicians often use semitonic movement to create smooth voice leading.
• The composer employed semitonic intervals throughout the chromatic passage.
• Understanding semitonic relationships is essential for analyzing classical harmony.
• The semitonic step from the leading tone to the tonic provides strong resolution.
• Modern composers frequently explore semitonic clusters for dissonant effects.