nanisma

A term coined by Margo Schulter to describe the tiny interval between 2¹⁰⁷ 3^-67 and the harmonic minor-7th of ratio 7:4, approximately 0.18903555 cents.

The ratio of the nanisma is

649037107316853453566312041152512 : 648966242035284859600333477874109

which, for obvious reasons, i find much easier to write as 2¹⁰⁹ 3^-67 7^-1, or in {2,3,5,7}-prime-factor vector notation, [109 -67 0 -1].

The nanisma also describes the difference between 2¹⁰⁸ 3^-68 and the septimal minor-3rd of ratio 7:6 (also called "subminor 3rd"), and also the difference between 2^-109 3⁶⁹ and the wide septimal major-3rd of ratio 9:7.

see also

anomaly,
unison vector,
xenharmonic bridge,
Pythagorean,
diesis,
kleisma,
comma,
skhisma,
5-limit intervals, 100 cents and under

---

(to download a zip file of the entire Dictionary, click here)

For many more diagrams and explanations of historical tunings, see my book. If you don't understand my theory or the terms I've used, start here

I welcome feedback about this webpage: corrections, improvements, good links. Let me know if you don't understand something. return to the Microtonal Dictionary index return to my home page return to the Sonic Arts home page