Main Entry: ca·dence

Pronunciation: \ˈkā-d^ən(t)s\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Old Italian cadenza, from cadere to fall, from Latin — more at chance

Date: 14th century

1 a : a rhythmic sequence or flow of sounds in language b : the beat, time, or measure of rhythmical motion or activity
2 a : a falling inflection of the voice b : a concluding and usually falling strain; specifically : a musical chord sequence moving to a harmonic close or point of rest and giving the sense of harmonic completion
3 : the modulated and rhythmic recurrence of a sound especially in nature

— ca·denced \-d^ən(t)st\ adjective

— ca·den·tial \kā-ˈden(t)-shəl\ adjective