cadence

The definition of cadence is the rhythm, modulation and pitch of a sound or the rhythmic beat of movement.

(noun)

An example of cadence is a soothing tone of voice that a mother uses when reading stories to a small child.

See cadence in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

fall of the voice in speaking
inflection or modulation in tone
any rhythmic flow of sound
measured movement, as in dancing or marching, or the beat of such movement
Music a series of notes or chords at the end of a phrase, section, or composition which indicates a partial or complete conclusion

Origin: ME < OFr < OIt cadenza or ML cadentia < L cadens, prp. of cadere, to fall: see case

Related Forms:

See cadence in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. ca·denc·es

Balanced, rhythmic flow, as of poetry or oratory.
The measure or beat of movement, as in dancing or marching.
a. A falling inflection of the voice, as at the end of a sentence.
b. General inflection or modulation of the voice.
Music A progression of chords moving to a harmonic close, point of rest, or sense of resolution.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French *cadence

Origin: , from Old Italian cadenza

Origin: , from Vulgar Latin *cadentia, a falling

Origin: , from Latin cadēns, cadent-

Origin: , present participle of cadere, to fall; see kad- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms: