# plagal

> English word · Adjective · IPA /ˈpleɪɡəl/

## Definitions
1. Designating a mode lying a perfect fourth below the authentic form.
2. Designating a cadence in which the subdominant chord precedes the tonic.

## Etymology
From Late Latin plagalis, from plaga, from plagius, from Byzantine Ancient Greek πλάγιος (plágios, “plagal”), πλάγιος (plágios, “oblique”).

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/plagal