Definition of "detune" in English

verb

1. (music) To intentionally lower or raise the pitch produced by a musical instrument, often to produce sounds not normally possible, or to reduce tension in a stringed instrument for the purpose of shipping or maintenance.

   • Some avant-garde composers request that performers detune their instruments before playing.

2. (engineering) To alter the resonant frequency of a tuned system so that it is slightly different from a specified target frequency.