melisma

noun me·lis·ma \mi-ˈliz-mə\

plural me·lis·ma·ta \-mə-tə\

Definition of MELISMA

: a group of notes or tones sung on one syllable in plainsong

: melodic embellishment

: cadenza

— mel·is·mat·ic \ˌme-ləz-ˈma-tik\ adjective

New Latin, from Greek, song, melody, from melizein to sing, from melos song

First Known Use: circa 1880

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