tempus

noun

tem·​pus
ˈtempəs
plural tempora
-pərə
: the relationship between breve and semibreve in mensural music
When the tempus is imperfect a breve equals two minims.

called also time

compare modus, prolation

Word History

Etymology

Latin, time

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tempus was in 1614

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Dictionary Entries Near tempus

Cite this Entry

“Tempus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tempus. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.

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