Lydian Mode
/ˈlɪd.i.ən moʊd/noun
A musical mode built from a major scale with a raised fourth degree.
Did you know?The word Lydian ultimately comes from Lydia, the ancient Anatolian kingdom famous in Greek tradition for wealth and refinement, while mode comes from Latin modulus, a word family tied to measure and rhythm.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Λυδία (Lydía)
“Lydia, the ancient region in western Anatolia”
Latin
Latin
Lydius
“Lydian; belonging to Lydia”
Late Latin
Latin
modus
“measure, manner, rhythm, musical measure”
Old French
Old French
mode
“manner, fashion, musical mode”
Modern English
English
Lydian mode
“a musical mode with a characteristic raised fourth degree”