atonality
[ey-toh-
nal
-i-tee]
/ˌeɪ toʊˈnæl ɪ ti/
noun
,
Music.
1.
the absence of key or tonal center.
2.
an
atonal
principle or style of composition.
Origin
1920-25;
atonal
+
-ity
British Dictionary definitions for
atonality
atonality
/
ˌeɪtəʊˈnælɪtɪ;
ˌæ-
/
noun
1.
absence of or disregard for an established musical key in a composition
2.
the principles of composition embodying this and providing a radical alternative to the diatonic system
Compare
tonality
Word Origin and History for
atonality
n.
1950; see
atonal
+
-ity
.