First Known Use: circa 1880
Dictionary
melisma
noun me·lis·ma \mi-ˈliz-mə\
plural me·lis·ma·ta \-mə-tə\
Definition of MELISMA
1
: a group of notes or tones sung on one syllable in plainsong
2
: melodic embellishment
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Origin of MELISMA
New Latin, from Greek, song, melody, from melizein to sing, from melos song
Rhymes with MELISMA
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