decrescendo

(dā′krə s̸hendō, dē′-)

adjective, adverb

with a gradual decrease in loudness; diminuendo: often used as a musical direction: symbol 

Origin: It, prp. of decrescere < L, decrease

noun pl. decrescendos

  1. a gradual decrease in loudness
  2. a decrescendo passage

See decrescendo in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adverb & adj. Abbr. dec.
With gradually diminishing force or loudness. Used chiefly as a direction.
noun pl. de·cre·scen·dos
  1. A gradual decrease in force or loudness.
  2. A decrescendo passage.

Origin:

Origin: Italian

Origin: , gerund of decrescere, to decrease

Origin: , from Latin dēcrēscere; see decrease

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