diapason

noun di·a·pa·son \ˌdī-ə-ˈpā-z^ən, -s^ən\

Definition of DIAPASON

a : a burst of sound <diapasons of laughter>

b : the principal foundation stop in the organ extending through the complete range of the instrument

c (1) : the entire compass of musical tones (2) : range, scope <registers the full diapason of her responses — Mindy Aloff>

a : tuning fork

b : a standard of pitch

Origin of DIAPASON

Middle English, from Latin, from Greek (hē) dia pasōn (chordōn symphōnia), literally, the concord through all the notes, from dia through + pasōn, genitive feminine plural of pas all — more at dia-, pan-

First Known Use: circa 1501

Related to DIAPASON

Synonyms: range, gamut, scale, spectrum, spread, stretch

Learn More About DIAPASON

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "diapason"

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about "diapason"

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: diapasonalPrevious Word in the Dictionary: diapasmAll Words Near: diapason

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up diapason? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

View Seen & Heard Highlights from Around the Site

Test Your Vocabulary!

10 Charming Words for Nasty People

Put-downs with flair

Learn More

When "Literally" isn't, well, literal

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Watch Now

Know what this is?

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Go Play

Fear of cats?

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears

Learn More