octave

 
Pronunciation: /ˈɒktɪv/

noun

  • 1 Music a series of eight notes occupying the interval between (and including) two notes, one having twice or half the frequency of vibration of the other.
  • the interval between the two notes at the extremes of an octave.
  • each of the two notes at the extremes of an octave.
  • the two notes at the extremes of an octave sounding together.
  • 2a group or stanza of eight lines; an octet.
  • 3the seventh day after a Church festival.
  • a period of eight days beginning with the day of a Church festival.
  • 4 Fencing the last of eight parrying positions.
  • 5British a wine cask holding an eighth of a pipe.

Phrases

law of octaves

see Newlands, John

Origin:

Middle English (in octave (sense 3)): via Old French from Latin octava dies 'eighth day'