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hemiola

noun
hemi·​o·​la | \ ˌhe-mē-ˈō-lə How to pronounce hemiola (audio) \

Definition of hemiola

: a musical rhythmic alteration in which six equal notes may be heard as two groups of three or three groups of two

First Known Use of hemiola

circa 1934, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for hemiola

Late Latin hemiolia, from Greek hēmiolia ratio of one and a half to one, from hēmi- + holos whole — more at safe

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