Dictionary
1crescendo
noun cre·scen·do \krə-ˈshen-(ˌ)dō\
: a gradual increase in the loudness of a sound or section of music
: the highest or loudest point of something that increases gradually
plural cre·scen·dos also cre·scen·does or cre·scen·di\-dē\
Full Definition of CRESCENDO
1
a : a gradual increase; specifically : a gradual increase in volume of a musical passage b : the peak of a gradual increase : climax <complaints about stifling smog conditions reach a crescendo — Down Beat>
2
: a crescendo musical passage
— crescendo intransitive verb
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Illustration of CRESCENDO
Origin of CRESCENDO
Italian, from crescendo, adjective, increasing, gerund of crescere to grow, increase, from Latin
First Known Use: 1775
Related to CRESCENDO
2crescendo
adverb or adjective
Definition of CRESCENDO
: with an increase in volume —used as a direction in music
First Known Use of CRESCENDO
1807
CRESCENDO Defined for Kids
crescendo
noun cre·scen·do \kri-ˈshen-dō\
plural cre·scen·dos
Definition of CRESCENDO for Kids
: a gradual increase in the loudness of music
Word Root of CRESCENDO
The Latin word crēscere, meaning “to grow,” gives us the root cresc or cre. Words from the Latin crēscere have something to do with growing. To increase is to grow greater in size or amount. To decrease is to grow smaller in size or amount. A crescendo in music is when the volume slowly grows louder.
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