f-sharp
UK[ˈɛf ʃɑːp]US[ˈɛf ʃɑːrp]
n
The musical note F which is raised by a semitone.
n
The key or scale based on this note.
Etymology
The term is a modern English compound from the realm of musical notation. Its first element is simply the letter 'F', representing a specific pitch class within the Western musical system. The second element, 'sharp', has a journey from Old English, where it described a physical pointedness, to its specialized abstract meaning in music denoting an elevated pitch. The combination 'F-sharp' thus logically denotes the specific pitch that is one semitone higher than the natural note F, illustrating how a concrete adjective evolved to serve a precise technical function in art.
Analysis
This is a compound term formed from the English letter name "F" and the musical term "sharp". "F" is the sixth note of the diatonic scale in solfège. "Sharp" originates from Old English 'scearp' (pointed, keen), used in music since the late 16th century to indicate raising a note by a semitone.
Examples
The melody begins on an F-sharp.
The piece is written in the key of F-sharp minor.
Please tune the third string to F-sharp.