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pitch

Definition

Pitch is the highness or lowness of a sound. It is determined by the frequency of the sound waves.

The higher the frequency, the higher the pitch. The lower the frequency, the lower the pitch.

How can the word be used?

The pitch of the trombone was low.

pitch

Different forms of the word

Noun:

  • pitch (the height of a sound or musical note).
  • pitch (the angle at which a surface slopes).
  • pitch (a sticky, tar-like substance).
  • pitch (a marketing or sales presentation).
  • pitch (a contest or competition).

Verb:

  • pitch (to throw something).
  • pitch (to slope).
  • pitch (to give a marketing or sales presentation).
  • pitch (to compete or contend).

Etymology

  • Middle English: This meaning of pitch originated in Middle English with the word "picchen," meaning "to thrust in, fasten, settle."
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  • Proto-West Germanic: "Picchen" is derived from the Proto-West Germanic word "pikkijan," which meant "to pick, peck."
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  • Connection to sound: The association with sound comes from the idea of "picking" at a string or other vibrating object to alter its pitch.

Question

What instruments produce high-pitch sounds?