Melisma

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Melisma \Me*lis"ma\, n.; pl. {Melismata}. [NL., fr. Gr. me`lisma
     a song.] (Mus.)
     (a) A piece of melody; a song or tune, -- as opposed to
         {recitative} or musical declamation.
     (b) A grace or embellishment.
         [1913 Webster]