atonal

[ey-tohn-l] /eɪˈtoʊn l/
adjective, Music.
1.
of, pertaining to, or marked by atonality.
Origin
1920-25; a-6 + tonal
Related forms
atonalistic, adjective
atonally, adverb
Examples from the web for atonal
  • He loved listening to atonal jazz, and though it drove her crazy, she now listens to little else.
  • The music, telegraphing dire things to come, is an atonal teaser.
  • Most people don't want atonal, vocal or challenging music on the radio.
  • Even better, sing two notes a half-octave apart and listen for their echoing atonal mingling.
British Dictionary definitions for atonal

atonal

/eɪˈtəʊnəl; æ-/
adjective
1.
(music) having no established key Compare tonal (sense 2)
Derived Forms
atonalism, noun
atonally, adverb
Word Origin and History for atonal
adj.

1922, from a- "not" (see a- (2)) + tonal.