presto Hear it!

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
presto Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • pass: A few more day's passed, then hey presto!

Adjective modifier

  • hey: Life lies dormant in seeds, then hey presto!

Noun used with modifier

  • hey: Where they had a call of nature hey presto!
  • hay: Cleaned them up new seals and hay presto, never run cleaner.