octave

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   An interval of twelve semitones spanning eight degrees of the diatonic scale, representing a doubling or halving in pitch frequency.

   The melody jumps up an octave at the beginning, then later drops back down an octave.

2. 2
   noun

   The pitch an octave higher than a given pitch.

   The bass starts on a low E, and the tenor comes in on the octave.

3. 3
   noun

   A poetic stanza consisting of eight lines; usually used as one part of a sonnet.

   With mournful melody it continued this octave.

4. 4
   noun

   The eighth defensive position, with the sword hand held at waist height, and the tip of the sword out straight at knee level.

   If they always do a lateral parry quarte, and never a semicircular octave, that gives you an opening.

From Latin octavus (“eighth”). Doublet of octavo, ochava, and oitava.

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