What does diapason mean?
Diapason is a formal noun referring to the complete range or compass of a musical instrument, organ, or singing voice — everything the instrument can do, from its lowest note to its highest. By extension it describes any full, rich, resonant outpouring of sound, which makes it a favorite of literary writers seeking grandeur: one might speak of the diapason of a choir, an orchestra, or even a thunderstorm. The word also has technical uses in music. On the pipe organ, a diapason is a principal stop producing a broad, foundational tone, and phrases like 'open diapason' and 'stopped diapason' are standard among organists. In medieval theory, diapason denoted the octave. Borrowed from Greek via Latin, it literally means 'through all the notes,' a fitting origin for a word whose figurative sense conveys totality and sweep. Though rare in everyday speech, it lends elegance and precision wherever the full breadth of sound is meant.
nounThe entire range or compass of a musical instrument, organ, or voice; by extension, a full, rich, swelling burst of sound. In music history it also denotes an octave interval and, on the organ, a principal stop of broad, full tone.
- The entire range or compass of a voice or instrument.
- A full, rich outpouring of sound.
- An organ stop of broad, fundamental tone (open or stopped diapason).
- (Historical) The interval of an octave in medieval music theory.
"The cathedral organ's great diapason filled the nave with sound."
"Her voice spanned the full diapason of human emotion, from whisper to thunder."
"The organist pulled out the open diapason for the final hymn."
Regular plural; used chiefly when speaking of multiple organ stops.
"The builder voiced the two great diapasons with particular care."
When Milton wanted to describe heaven-shaking grandeur, he reached for this word — it literally means 'through all the notes' in Greek.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of diapason
Diapason comes from the Greek phrase 'dia pasōn (chordōn),' meaning 'through all the notes,' and entered English in the late sixteenth or early seventeenth century through Latin. Its Greek root 'dia' ('through') also appears in words like diameter, diagnosis, and dialogue. Originally a term of medieval music theory for the octave, it came to mean an instrument's full compass and later the organ stop known today as the principal.
How diapason is actually used
Formal and somewhat literary in modern use; outside organ building and music criticism it most often appears figuratively to suggest grandeur or completeness of sound.
Easily confused with diapason
Diaspora refers to the dispersion of a people from their homeland, whereas diapason refers to musical range or a full swell of sound.
Diapause is a period of suspended development in insects and other organisms, while diapason is a musical term for range or rich sound.