intonation

[ in-toh-ney-shuhn, -tuh- ]

1. the pattern or melody of pitch changes in connected speech, especially the pitch pattern of a sentence, which distinguishes kinds of sentences or speakers of different language cultures.
2. the act or manner ofintonating.
3. the manner of producing musical tones, specifically the relation in pitch of tones to their key or harmony.
4. something that isintoned or chanted.
5. the opening phrase in a Gregorian chant, usually sung by one or two voices.

intonation

/ ˌɪntəʊˈneɪʃən /

1. the sound pattern of phrases and sentences produced by pitch variation in the voice
2. the act or manner of intoning
3. an intoned, chanted, or monotonous utterance; incantation
4. music the opening of a piece of plainsong, sung by a soloist
5. music
   1. the correct or accurate pitching of intervals
   2. the capacity to play or sing in tune See alsojust intonation