melisma
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
: cadenza
— 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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