Main Entry: tem·po

Pronunciation: \ˈtem-(ˌ)pō\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural tem·pi \-(ˌ)pē\ or tempos

Etymology: Italian, literally, time, from Latin tempus

Date: circa 1724

1 : the rate of speed of a musical piece or passage indicated by one of a series of directions (as largo, presto, or allegro) and often by an exact metronome marking
2 : rate of motion or activity : pace