an expressive vocal phrase or passage consisting of several notes sung to one syllable
Derived forms
melismatic (ˌmɛlɪzˈmætɪk)
adjective
Word origin
C19: from Greek: melody
melisma in American English
(məˈlɪzmə)
nounWord forms: pluralmeˈlismata (məˈlɪzmətə) or meˈlismas
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
Derived forms
melismatic (ˌmelisˈmatic) (ˌmɛlɪzˈmætɪk)
adjective
Word origin
Gr, song < melizein, to sing, modulate < melos, song: see melic