Definition of quaver

The word "quaver" originates from the musical term "quaver note" or "eighth note," which is a type of musical notation used in Western classical music. The term "quaver" is specific to British English, whereas in American English, the term used is "eighth note." The word "quaver" derives from the medieval term "quaere maiorem," which means "seek the greater." This term was used to indicate a shorter value note with a value equivalent to a quarter note (plus odd parts) played at twice the speed. This term was later shortened to "quaver" in the 17th century in England, where it evolved to refer to the modern-day eighth note. The history of the term "quaver" can be traced back to the medieval era when musicians would use diagrams to represent different values of notes. These diagrams included squares, circles, and other shapes, including one that looked like a bird's beak. This beak-like shape became associated with the shorter value notes, and the term "quaver" was adopted to describe them. In modern times, the term "quaver" has been used to describe not just musical notes but also other things that are quickly repeated, such as words, sounds, or physical movements. Its use in everyday language is far less common than in the realm of classical music, however.