Main Entry: rec·i·ta·tive

Pronunciation: \ˌre-sə-tə-ˈtēv, ˌres-tə-\

Function: noun

Etymology: Italian recitativo, from recitare to recite, from Latin

Date: 1656

1 : a rhythmically free vocal style that imitates the natural inflections of speech and that is used for dialogue and narrative in operas and oratorios; also : a passage to be delivered in this style
2 : recitation 2

— recitative adjective