Meaning & Definition of word "Octave"

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    Octave

    /ˈɒk.teɪv/

    noun:

    • 1. a musical interval consisting of eight diatonic scale degrees.
      • Example: He was thrilled to reach the high C an octave above the middle C.
    • 2. a set of eight notes occupying the interval between two notes, one of which is at least double the frequency of the other.
      • Example: The piano has several octaves that span the full range of sound.
    • 3. the eighth line of a sonnet, especially in Italian poetry.
      • Example: The poem concluded with an octave that beautifully encapsulated the theme.

    Etymology

    From Latin 'octavus', meaning 'eighth'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    octave leap:

    A jump from one note to a note an octave higher.

    octave scale:

    A progression of notes that spans an octave.

    octave equivalence:

    The concept that notes an octave apart are perceived as similar.

    Related Words

    interval:

    The difference in pitch between two sounds.

    scale:

    A set of musical notes ordered by frequency or pitch.

    pitch:

    The perceived frequency of a sound.

    Slang Meanings of octave

    Meaning: A reference to high musical notes.

    Example Sentence: That singer hits some serious octave in her range!

    Meaning: A level of intensity or excitement in music.

    Example Sentence: The party hit an octave when the DJ dropped that track.