Entonic

/ɛnˈtɑːnɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or having the quality of proper toning or intonation in speech or song.

Etymology

From entone plus the suffix '-ic' meaning 'of or relating to.' A rare adjective used in music and speech pathology.

Kelly Says

Entonic quality is so important in tonal languages like Mandarin that saying a word with wrong tone can completely change its meaning—'ma' can mean mother, hemp, horse, or scold depending on pitch.

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