atonality

a·to·nal·i·ty  (t-nl-t)

n. pl. a·to·nal·i·ties Music

1. The absence of a tonal center and of harmonies derived from a diatonic scale corresponding to such a center; lack of tonality.

2. A style of composition that lacks such a tonal center and its derived harmonies.

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atonality [ˌeɪtəʊˈnælɪtɪ ˌæ-]

n

1. (Music, other) absence of or disregard for an established musical key in a composition

2. (Music, other) the principles of composition embodying this and providing a radical alternative to the diatonic system Compare tonality

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

atonality - the absence of a key; alternative to the diatonic system atonalism musical notation - (music) notation used by musicians tonality, key - any of 24 major or minor diatonic scales that provide the tonal framework for a piece of music