Unison

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈjunɨsÉ™n, -zÉ™n/

Origin

From Middle English unisoun, from Middle French unisson, from Medieval Latin unisonus ("having the same sound"), from Latin uni- + sonus ("sound").

Full definition of unison

Noun

1. The state of being together, in harmony, at the same time, as one, synchronized.Everyone moved in unison, but the sudden change in weight distribution capsized the boat.
2. (music) The simultaneous playing of an identical note more than once.
• 2007, July 16, James R. Oestreich, With Levine as Tour Guide, a Journey Through Mahler’s Third Symphony, The young principal timpanist, Timothy Genis, was superb throughout, though his sidekick timpanist sometimes lagged in the final unisons.
3. The unison has a pitch ratio of 1:1.

Abbreviations

• (in music) P1

Derived terms

• unisonal
• unisonous
• unisonance
• unisonant

Anagrams

• nonius, unions, Unions