# EDO

/ˈidoʊ/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/edo
Updated: 2026-05-10

## Definition

Stands for Equal Division of the Octave. A way of dividing an octave into equal parts to create musical scales. You use this when talking about tuning systems that are different from standard Western music.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Equal Division of the Octave. A tuning system where the octave is partitioned into a specific number of equal logarithmic steps.

## Examples

- The composer used 19-EDO to create a unique sound.
- While standard Western music uses 12-EDO, many microtonal musicians explore 31-EDO for its different harmonic possibilities.
- The software allows users to define custom EDO scales, enabling the exploration of intervals that do not exist within the traditional twelve-tone equal temperament system.

## Usage notes

- Often preceded by a number (e.g., '22-EDO') to specify the number of divisions per octave.

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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.