tune
Pronunciation: (tn, tyn), [key]
— n., v., tuned, tun•ing.
—n.
- a succession of musical sounds forming an air or melody, with or without the harmony accompanying it.
- a musical setting of a hymn, poem, psalm, etc., usually in four-part harmony.
- the state of being in the proper pitch: to be in tune.
- agreement in pitch; unison; harmony.
- proper adjustment, as of radio instruments or circuits with respect to frequency.
- harmonious relationship; accord; agreement.
- frame of mind; mood.
- a tone or sound.
- to decide matters of policy; control: He was technically running the business, but his father still called the tune.
- to reverse one's views; change one's mind: She changed her tune about children when she married and had her own.
- to be forced to change one's ways, attitude, behavior, etc.: He will sing a different tune when he has to earn his own money.
- in or about the amount of: In order to expand, they will need capital to the tune of six million dollars.
—v.t.
- to adjust (a musical instrument) to a correct or given standard of pitch (often fol. by up).
- to adapt (the voice, song, etc.) to a particular tone, to the expression of a particular feeling, or the like.
- to bring (someone or something) into harmony.
- to adjust (a motor, mechanism, or the like) for proper functioning.
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- to adjust (a circuit, frequency, or the like) so as to bring it into resonance with another circuit, a given frequency, or the like.
- to adjust (a receiving apparatus) so as to make it compatible in frequency with a transmitting apparatus whose signals are to be received.
- to adjust (a receiving apparatus) so as to receive the signals of a particular transmitting station.
- to put into or cause to be in a receptive condition, mood, etc.; bring into harmony or agreement.
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- to utter, sound, or express musically.
- to play upon (a lyre).
—v.i.
- to put a musical instrument in tune (often fol. by up).
- to give forth a musical sound.
- to be in harmony or accord; become responsive.
- to adjust a radio or television set so as to receive (signals, a particular station, etc.).
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- to adjust a radio or television set so as to stop or avoid receiving (a station or channel).
- Slang.to stop paying attention to a person, situation, etc.
- Before starting on our trip we should have the car tuned up.
- to cause a group of musical instruments to be brought to the same pitch.
- to begin to sing.
- to bring into proper operating order, as a motor:Before starting on our trip we should have the car tuned up.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.