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rubato

(ro̵̅o̅ bät′ō)

adjective, adverb

with some notes arbitrarily lengthened (or shortened) in performance and, often, others correspondingly changed in length; (in a manner) intentionally and temporarily deviating from a strict tempo: also used as a musical direction

Origin: It < (tempo) rubato, stolen (time)

noun

rubato modification or execution
pl. rubatos a rubato passage, phrase, etc.

See rubato in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. ru·ba·tos

Rhythmic flexibility within a phrase or measure; a relaxation of strict time.

adjective

Containing or characterized by rubato.

Origin:

Origin: Italian (tempo) rubato, stolen (time), rubato

Origin: , past participle of rubare, to rob

Origin: , of Germanic origin; see reup- in Indo-European roots

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