Plagal
/ˈpleɪɡəl/noun
Relating to a musical mode, cadence, or motion that extends below the tonic or main note.
Did you know?Plagal comes from Greek *plágios* meaning “sideways” or “oblique,” the same root behind the ancient musical term *plagal* and the eerie sense of something not straight-on but coming at you from the side.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
plágios
“sideways, slanting, oblique”
Late Latin
Latin
plagalis
“of the side; plagal in music”
Medieval Latin
Latin
plagalem
“oblique; plagal”
Late Middle English
English
plagal
“a musical mode or cadence with a lower range”
Modern English
English
plagal
“relating to a musical mode or cadence that extends below the tonic”