Main Entry: ri·tor·nel·lo

Pronunciation: \ˌri-tər-ˈne-(ˌ)lō, ˌri-ˌtȯr-\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural ri·tor·nel·li \-ˈne-(ˌ)lē\ or ri·tor·nellos

Etymology: Italian, diminutive of ritorno return, from ritornare to return, from ri- re- + tornare to turn, from Latin, to turn on a lathe — more at turn

Date: 1675

1 a : a short recurrent instrumental passage in a vocal composition b : an instrumental interlude in early opera
2 : a tutti passage in a concerto or rondo refrain