Standard Lemma guide

detune

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To intentionally lower or raise the pitch produced by a musical instrument, often to produce sounds not normally possible, or to reduce tension in a stringed instrument for the purpose of shipping or maintenance.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: entertainment, lifestyle, music

Examples

  • Some avant-garde composers request that performers detune their instruments before playing.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: untune

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To alter the resonant frequency of a tuned system so that it is slightly different from a specified target frequency.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: engineering, natural-sciences, physical-sciences

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *de Proto-Indo-European *-h1 Proto-Indo-European *déh1 Proto-Italic *dē Latin dē Latin dē-der. English de- English tune English detune From de- + tune.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Bulgarian: разстройвам (razstrojvam) — intentionally lower or raise the pitch produced by a musical instrument
  • Galician: desintonizar — alter the resonant frequency of a tuned system
  • Portuguese: dessintonizar — alter the resonant frequency of a tuned system
  • Spanish: desintonizar — alter the resonant frequency of a tuned system