How are "musical intervals" defined?

Musical intervals are defined as the distance between two pitches. This concept is fundamental in understanding music theory, as intervals determine how notes relate to each other in terms of harmony and melody. When two notes are played, the interval describes the number of scale degrees between them and can also reflect the frequency difference. Different intervals have unique names (such as major second, perfect fifth, etc.) that convey both their size and quality, influencing how music is composed and perceived. Understanding intervals allows musicians to create chords, harmonies, and melodies that resonate in a specific way, making this definition pivotal in the study of music.