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presto1 definition

presto (pres′tō)

adverb, adjective

Musical Direction in fast tempo: when used other than in musical scores, also in roman type

Etymology: It, quick, nimble < L praestus, at hand, ready < praesto, at hand, available < prae, before: see pre-

noun pl. prestos -·tos

a passage or movement to be performed presto
presto2 definition

presto (pres′tō)

interjection

used, as by a magician in a conventional portrayal, to signify, or seemingly command, a sudden change or occurrence

adverb

suddenly or rapidly

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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