melisma
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me·lis·ma

noun \mi-ˈliz-mə\
plural me·lis·ma·ta \-mə-tə\

Definition of MELISMA

1
: a group of notes or tones sung on one syllable in plainsong
2
: melodic embellishment
3
mel·is·mat·ic \ˌme-ləz-ˈma-tik\ adjective

Origin of MELISMA

New Latin, from Greek, song, melody, from melizein to sing, from melos song
First Known Use: circa 1880

Rhymes with MELISMA

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