SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

presa

noun
Save Word
pre·​sa | \ ˈprā-sə How to pronounce presa (audio) \

Definition of presa

: a symbol in music notation usually resembling an S that indicates the point of entry of the successive voice parts of a canon

— called also guida

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for presa

Italian, literally, action of taking, seizure, from feminine of preso (past participle of prendere to take, seize), from Latin prehensus, past participle of prehendere to take, grasp, seize

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about presa

Statistics for presa

Cite this Entry

“Presa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/presa. Accessed 26 Jan. 2021.

Comments on presa

What made you want to look up presa? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

obeisance

Listen to the pronunciation of obeisance

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times

  • ducreux self portrait yawning
  • What is an earlier meaning of nice?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
AlphaBear 2

Spell words. Make bears.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games