Dictionary

tone language

noun

: a language (such as Chinese) in which changes in the tone of words indicate different meanings

Full Definition of TONE LANGUAGE

:  a language (as Chinese or Zulu) in which variations in tone distinguish words or phrases of different meaning that otherwise would sound alike
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First Known Use of TONE LANGUAGE

circa 1909

Rhymes with TONE LANGUAGE

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Next Word in the Dictionary: tonelessPrevious Word in the Dictionary: tone–deafAll Words Near: tone language
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