First Known Use: circa 1859
Dictionary
fermata
noun fer·ma·ta \fer-ˈmä-tə\
Definition of FERMATA
: a prolongation at the discretion of the performer of a musical note, chord, or rest beyond its given time value; also : the sign ·̑ denoting such a prolongation —called also hold
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Origin of FERMATA
Italian, literally, stop, from fermare to stop, from Latin firmare to make firm
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