cantus firmus

noun

cantus fir·​mus -ˈfir-məs How to pronounce cantus firmus (audio)
-ˈfər-
1
: the plainsong or simple Gregorian melody originally sung in unison and prescribed as to form and use by ecclesiastical tradition
2
: a melodic theme or subject
especially : one for contrapuntal treatment

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin, literally, fixed song

First Known Use

1761, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cantus firmus was in 1761

Dictionary Entries Near cantus firmus

Cite this Entry

“Cantus firmus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cantus%20firmus. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on cantus firmus

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!