noun
accidental
A musical sign that changes a note's pitch from the key signature.
The accidental raises the note above the pitch indicated by the key signature.
Etymology
Latin accidere meant “to happen” or “befall.” An accidental is something occurring outside the regular arrangement: in music, its sign alters a note beyond the pitches already specified by the key signature.
More examples
- The score contained several accidentals.
- She missed the accidental before the final note.
- A natural sign served as an accidental in that measure.
Forms
accidental · accidentals