noun
2nd note of the ancient chromatic scale (approx. D sharp)
Technical term from traditional Japanese music theory, specifically the second note of the twelve-tone chromatic scale (十二律). Corresponds roughly to D sharp in Western music. Used in historical or musicological contexts.
十二律のうち、断金は大呂の次に位置する。
Among the twelve pitches, 断金 comes after 大呂.
The term originates from the ancient Chinese musical system adopted into Japanese court music. The exact derivation of the characters 断金 is uncertain; they are conventionally associated with this specific pitch.