Pitch black, pitch perfect

Posted by ESC on May 20, 2004

In Reply to: Pitch black, pitch perfect posted by j k on May 20, 2004

: I'd like to know the difference in the usage of *pitch* in word combinations like pitch black or pitch perfect.

: Thanks

Those phrases refer to different types of "pitch."

"Pitch black" or "black as pitch" refers to "a black or dark viscous substance obtained as a residue in the distillation of organic materials and especially tars." (Merriam-Webster online)

"Pitch perfect" refers to a musical term (also from Merriam-Webster online):

Main Entry: concert pitch
Function: noun 1 : INTERNATIONAL PITCH 2 : a high state of fitness, tension, or readiness

Main Entry: international pitch
Function: noun
: a tuning standard of 440 vibrations per second for A above middle C