Neume Definition

no͝om, nyo͝om
noun
Any of various notational signs used in medieval church music, originally put above words to be sung so as to show approximate pitch, melody line, etc.
Webster's New World
A sign used in the notation of plainsong during the Middle Ages, surviving today in transcriptions of Gregorian chants.
American Heritage
In Gregorian chant, a specific musical note, often sustained, or a group of such notes.
Webster's New World

Other Word Forms of Neume

Noun

Singular:
neume
Plural:
neumes

Origin of Neume

  • Middle English series of notes sung on one syllable from Medieval Latin pneuma from Greek breath pneuma

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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