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tacet

musical direction
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ta·​cet | \ ˈtā-sət How to pronounce tacet (audio) , ˈta-sət How to pronounce tacet (audio) ; ˈtä-ˌket How to pronounce tacet (audio) \

Definition of tacet

—used as a direction in music to indicate that an instrument is not to play during a movement or long section

First Known Use of tacet

circa 1724, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for tacet

Latin, literally, (it) is silent, from tacēre to be silent — more at tacit

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The first known use of tacet was circa 1724

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Cite this Entry

“Tacet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tacet. Accessed 17 Apr. 2021.

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