tone / tōn/ • n. 1. the overall quality of a musical or vocal sound: the piano tone appears monochrome or lacking in warmth. ∎  a modulation of the voice expressing a particular feeling or mood: a firm tone of voice. ∎  a manner of expression in writing: there was a general tone of ill-concealed glee in the reporting.2. the general character of a group of people or a place or event: a bell would lower the tone of the place. ∎ inf. an atmosphere of respectability or class: they don't feel he gives the place tone.3. a musical sound, esp. one of a definite pitch and character. ∎  a musical note, warble, or other sound used as a particular signal on a telephone or answering machine. ∎  Phonet. (in some languages, such as Chinese) a particular pitch pattern on a syllable used to make semantic distinctions. ∎  Phonet. (in some languages, such as English) intonation on a word or phrase used to add functional meaning.4. (also whole tone) a basic interval in classical Western music, equal to two semitones and separating, for example, the first and second notes of an ordinary scale (such as C and D, or E and F sharp); a major second or whole step.5. the particular quality of brightness, deepness, or hue of a tint or shade of a color: an attractive color that is even in tone and texture | stained glass in vivid tones of red and blue. ∎  the general effect of color or of light and shade in a picture. ∎  a slight degree of difference in the intensity of a color.6. (also muscle tone) the normal level of firmness or slight contraction in a resting muscle. ∎  Physiol. the normal level of activity in a nerve fiber.• v. [tr.] 1. give greater strength or firmness to (the body or a part of it): exercise tones up the muscles. ∎  [intr.] (tone up) (of a muscle or bodily part) became stronger or firmer.2. [intr.] (tone with) harmonize with (something) in terms of color: the rich orange color of the wood tones beautifully with the yellow roses.3. Photog. give (a monochrome picture) an altered color in finishing by means of a chemical solution.PHRASAL VERBS: tone something down make something less harsh in sound or color. ∎  make something less extreme or intense: she saw the need to tone down her protests.DERIVATIVES: toned adj. [in comb.] the fresh-toned singing.tone·less adj.tone·less·ly adv.