a continuous bass accompaniment, indicated by a shorthand method in notation, and played as on a harpsichord or organ, esp. in baroque music
See continuo in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(kən-tĭnˈyo͞o-ōˌ)
nounpl.con·tin·u·os
An independent bass line, usually realized on a keyboard instrument, in which numerals written underneath the notes indicate the kinds of harmony to be played. Also called basso continuo, figured bass, thoroughbass.