ottava

adverb or adjective

ot·​ta·​va ō-ˈtä-və How to pronounce ottava (audio)
: at an octave higher or lower than written
—used as a direction in music

Word History

Etymology

Italian, octave, from Medieval Latin octava

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ottava was in 1848

Phrases Containing ottava

Dictionary Entries Near ottava

ottar

ottava

ottava alta

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Ottava.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ottava. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

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