melisma Hear it!

melisma Definition

me·lisma (mə liz)

noun pl. -·mata-mə tə or -·mas

a succession of different notes sung upon a single syllable, as orig. in plainsong or, now especially, in the ornamental phrases of Near Eastern and Asian music

Etymology: Gr, song < melizein, to sing, modulate < melos, song: see melic

melisma Related Forms
mel′·is·matic (mel′iz matik) adjective
melisma Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

  • vocal: Their instrumental sound twinkles with light casting the shadows in which Maclure's gasps, exhalations and vocal melismas can be found.
  • little: This is generative both melodically ( the little melisma turning round one note ) and harmonically as the main basis for the movement.

Browse dictionary entries near melisma

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  1. Melissa
  2. Melissa worm
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  4. mell
  5. melliferous
  6. mellifluent
  7. mellifluous
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  9. mellophone
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