Demisemiquaver

/ˌdɛmɪˈsɛmɪˌkweɪvər/ noun

Definition

A musical note lasting one-thirty-second of a whole note, equal to half the duration of a semiquaver.

Etymology

British musical term combining 'demi' (half) + 'semiquaver' (a sixteenth note). The 'quaver' part comes from Middle English 'quaveren' (to shake), describing the trembling quality of rapid notes.

Kelly Says

Music notation is basically mathematical—a demisemiquaver is literally half of a half of a half of a half, which is why composers use this word instead of saying 'thirty-second note' like Americans do.

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