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decrescendo

noun de·cre·scen·do \ ˌdā-krə-ˈshen-(ˌ)dō \
|Updated on: 9 May 2018

Definition of decrescendo

plural decrescendos
1 : a gradual decrease in volume of a musical passage
2 : a decrescendo musical passage

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Recent Examples of decrescendo from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'decrescendo.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of decrescendo

illustration of decrescendo

Origin and Etymology of decrescendo

Italian, literally, decreasing, from Latin decrescendum, gerund of decrescere

2

decrescendo

adverb or adjective

Definition of decrescendo

: with a decrease in volume —used as a direction in music

First Known Use of decrescendo

1877

in the meaning defined above

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DECRESCENDO Defined for Kids

decrescendo

noun de·cre·scen·do \ ˌdā-krə-ˈshen-dō \

Definition of decrescendo for Students

: a gradual decrease in the loudness of music

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