Main Entry:

bel can·to

Pronunciation:

\bel-ˈkän-(ˌ)tō, -ˈkan-\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Italian, literally, beautiful singing

Date:

1893

: operatic singing originating in 17th century and 18th century Italy and stressing ease, purity, and evenness of tone production and an agile and precise vocal technique