melisma
noun
me·lis·ma mi-ˈliz-mə 
plural melismata mi-ˈliz-mə-tə
1
: a group of notes or tones sung on one syllable in plainsong
2
: melodic embellishment
3
: cadenza
melismatic
ˌme-ləz-ˈma-tik
adjective 
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Sullivan has developed into a poised if still sassy front person, reclaiming Mariah Carey-style melisma as a key part of her impressive vocals. 
David Browne, Rolling Stone, 13 June 2022 In the place of the Mariah Carey melisma that young vocalists often try to use to prove their chops, a lot of the newbie emcees attempt the high-speed, rat-a-tat delivery of rappers like Twista and Eminem. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 9 Oct. 2019 But, even beyond Simone’s lyrics, her integrative technique itself—her use of gospel piano, blues melisma, classical riffs—refutes myths of black deprivation. Emily Lordi, The New Yorker, 12 Aug. 2019 Franklin’s four-octave range and mastery of melisma made her a force to be reckoned with both on record and on the stage. Naima Cochrane, Vox, 16 Aug. 2018 His tonal, accessible, sometimes ravishing music combines the pulsing energy of minimalism with the sensuous melismas of ancient troubadour music and archaic dance forms. John Von Rhein, chicagotribune.com, 18 Mar. 2018 The cast hasn’t a weak link, but Baráth was a standout, dispensing machine-gun melismas with ease as the warrior princess Bradamante. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 10 June 2019 Franklin’s four-octave range and mastery of melisma made her a force to be reckoned with both on record and on the stage. Naima Cochrane, Vox, 16 Aug. 2018 His tonal, accessible, sometimes ravishing music combines the pulsing energy of minimalism with the sensuous melismas of ancient troubadour music and archaic dance forms. John Von Rhein, chicagotribune.com, 18 Mar. 2018 See More
David Browne, Rolling Stone, 13 June 2022 In the place of the Mariah Carey melisma that young vocalists often try to use to prove their chops, a lot of the newbie emcees attempt the high-speed, rat-a-tat delivery of rappers like Twista and Eminem. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 9 Oct. 2019 But, even beyond Simone’s lyrics, her integrative technique itself—her use of gospel piano, blues melisma, classical riffs—refutes myths of black deprivation. Emily Lordi, The New Yorker, 12 Aug. 2019 Franklin’s four-octave range and mastery of melisma made her a force to be reckoned with both on record and on the stage. Naima Cochrane, Vox, 16 Aug. 2018 His tonal, accessible, sometimes ravishing music combines the pulsing energy of minimalism with the sensuous melismas of ancient troubadour music and archaic dance forms. John Von Rhein, chicagotribune.com, 18 Mar. 2018 The cast hasn’t a weak link, but Baráth was a standout, dispensing machine-gun melismas with ease as the warrior princess Bradamante. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 10 June 2019 Franklin’s four-octave range and mastery of melisma made her a force to be reckoned with both on record and on the stage. Naima Cochrane, Vox, 16 Aug. 2018 His tonal, accessible, sometimes ravishing music combines the pulsing energy of minimalism with the sensuous melismas of ancient troubadour music and archaic dance forms. John Von Rhein, chicagotribune.com, 18 Mar. 2018 See More Word History
Etymology
New Latin, from Greek, song, melody, from melizein to sing, from melos song
First Known Use
1837, in the meaning defined at sense 1