autotune
autotune Lexical Profile
autotune Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An audio processing software or device used to measure and alter the pitch of vocal or instrumental music recording and performances, either to correct off-key inaccuracies or to create a stylized, robotic vocal effect.
"The producer used heavy autotune on the chorus to give the pop track a futuristic, synthesized sound."
• verb
To alter or correct the pitch of a vocal or instrumental recording using digital pitch-correction software.
"The sound engineer had to autotune several flat notes from the live vocal performance before releasing the album."
To automatically adjust or calibrate the frequency or performance parameters of a radio receiver, engine, or computer system.
"Modern car radios can autotune to the strongest local broadcast frequencies as you drive across state lines."
Word Nuance & Usage
Originally a proprietary trademark (Auto-Tune), the term is now widely used as a generic lowercase noun and verb referring to any digital vocal pitch-correction software or its characteristic robotic vocal effect.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the trademark Auto-Tune, an audio processor created in 1997 by geophysical engineer Andy Hildebrand, who adapted seismic data analysis algorithms to detect and correct musical pitch.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.