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fermata

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noun fer·ma·ta \ fer-ˈmä-tə \

Definition of fermata

:a prolongation at the discretion of the performer of a musical note, chord, or rest beyond its given time value; also :the sign denoting such a prolongation — called also hold

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Origin and Etymology of fermata

Italian, literally, stop, from fermare to stop, from Latin firmare to make firm

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