intonation

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in·to·na·tion / ˌintəˈnāshən; -tō-/ • n. 1. the rise and fall of the voice in speaking: she spoke English with a German intonation. ∎  the action of intoning or reciting in a singing voice.2. accuracy of pitch in playing or singing: poor woodwind intonation at the opening.3. the opening phrase of a plainsong melody.DERIVATIVES: in·to·na·tion·al / -shənl/ adj.

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