adjective
minor
Having a third a semitone lower than in the corresponding major scale or chord.
She plays a minor chord on the piano.
Etymology
The Latin adjective means smaller. Musical minor identifies the smaller member of certain interval pairs, especially the third that distinguishes a minor chord or scale from its major counterpart.
More examples
- The A natural minor scale has no sharps or flats.
- This song is in a minor key.
- Lowering the third of a major triad makes it minor.
Forms
minor