What defines a microtone in music?

A microtone is specifically defined as an interval that is smaller than a semitone. This means that the distance between two pitches that constitute a microtone falls below the standard half-step found in Western music. Microtones are often used in various musical traditions around the world, particularly in Middle Eastern, Indian, and certain contemporary classical music genres.

Unlike traditional Western music, which primarily uses a twelve-tone equal temperament system where the smallest interval is a semitone, microtones allow for a broader exploration of pitch and harmony, leading to unique tuning systems and musical expressions. Therefore, identifying a microtone as an interval of less than a semitone accurately encompasses the essence of what microtonality is in music theory.