1. A sound of distinct pitch, quality, and duration; a note. 2. The interval of a major second in the diatonic scale; a whole step. 3. A recitational melody in a Gregorian chant. 4. The quality or character of sound. 5. The characteristic quality or timbre of a particular instrument or voice. 6. The pitch of a word used to determine its meaning or to distinguish differences in meaning. 7. The particular or relative pitch of a word, phrase, or sentence. 8. took an angry tone with the reporters. 9. a room with an elegant tone. 10. light tones of blue. 11. The green wallpaper had a particularly somber tone. 12. The general effect in painting of light, color, and shade. 13. The normal state of elastic tension or partial contraction in resting muscles. 14. Normal firmness of a tissue or an organ. 15. To give a particular tone or inflection to. 16. To soften or change the color of (a painting or photographic negative, for example). 17. To sound monotonously; intone. 18. To assume a particular color quality. 19. To harmonize in color. 20. To make less vivid, harsh, or violent; moderate. 21. To make or become brighter or more vigorous.
