First Known Use: 1675
Dictionary
ritornello
noun ri·tor·nel·lo \ˌri-tər-ˈne-(ˌ)lō, ˌri-ˌtȯr-\
plural ri·tor·nel·li\-ˈne-(ˌ)lē\ or ri·tor·nellos
Definition of RITORNELLO
1
a : a short recurrent instrumental passage in a vocal composition b : an instrumental interlude in early opera
2
: a tutti passage in a concerto or rondo refrain
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Origin of RITORNELLO
Italian, diminutive of ritorno return, from ritornare to return, from ri- re- + tornare to turn, from Latin, to turn on a lathe — more at turn
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