Definition of crescendo
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a
: a gradual increase
a crescendo of excitement
specifically
: a gradual increase in volume of a musical passage
b
: the peak of a gradual increase : climax
… complaints about stifling smog conditions reach a crescendo … — Down Beat
2
: a crescendo musical passage
crescendo
adverb or adjectiveDefinition of crescendo (Entry 2 of 2)
: with an increase in volume
—used as a direction in music
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for crescendo
The first known use of crescendo was in 1775
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