Period

The period of a MOS is the interval at which the MOS pattern repeats; it is the interval of equivalence (usually the octave) or a fraction of it. Along with the generator, it is one of the two defining intervals of a MOS. For example:

• The diatonic scale (LLsLLLs) has period equal to the octave.
• The diminished scale (sLsLsLsL) has period 1\4, because the MOS pattern sL repeats at every 300 cents.

The same definition applies for a rank-2 temperament, when the temperament is seen as generating a MOS.