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ritenuto

adjective
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ri·​te·​nu·​to | \ ˌrētəˈnü(ˌ)tō \

Definition of ritenuto

: held back in tempo —used as a direction in music usually indicating an abrupt slowing down

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History and Etymology for ritenuto

Italian, past participle of ritenere to hold back, detain, restrain, retain, from Latin retinēre

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“Ritenuto.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ritenuto. Accessed 16 Jun. 2021.

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