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cadence definition

ca·dence (kād′'ns)

noun

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

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

Also cadency ca′·dency (-'n sē)

Related Forms:

  • cadenced ca′·denced (-'nst) adjective or cadential ca·den′·tial (kə den′s̸həl)

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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