Diatonic

[Gr. diatonikos - dia, and tonos, tone. See TONE.] ( Mus.) A term denoting the natural scale, consisting of eight sounds and seven intervals; five of these intervals are called tones, and the remaining two semitones, which occur between the third and fourth and seventh and eighth. The D. scale is a gradual succe ion of sounds by tones and semitones, which may proceed either from acute to grave, or vice vers a, five whole tones and two semitones making a complete natural octave. Diaton'ically, adv. In a diatonic manner. Diatre'tum, n. ( Antiq.) An enchased or curiously engraved vase or goblet.