# chroma

CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/chroma
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

the quality of a sound that makes it sound rich or full. It is often used to describe how much color or depth a musical note has.

For teachers: the quality of a sound that gives it a sense of richness or fullness. In music theory, it refers to the specific set of overtones or harmonics that distinguish one timbre from another.

## Examples

- The piano has a very rich chroma compared to a flute.
- The composer used a combination of strings and brass to create a dense chroma that filled the concert hall.
- While the melody remains simple, the underlying chroma of the orchestration provides a complex emotional depth that becomes more apparent with repeated listening.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.