continuo

[ kuhn-tin-yoo-oh ]

noun,plural con·tin·u·os.Music.
  1. a keyboard accompanying part consisting originally of a figured bass, which in modern scores is usually realized, and serving to provide or fill out the harmonic texture.

Origin of continuo

1
1715–25; <Italian: literally, continuous

Words Nearby continuo

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How to use continuo in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for continuo

continuo

/ (kənˈtɪnjʊˌəʊ) /


nounplural -os
  1. music

    • a shortened form of basso continuo: See thorough bass

    • (as modifier): a continuo accompaniment

  2. the thorough-bass part as played on a keyboard instrument, often supported by a cello, bassoon, etc

Origin of continuo

1
Italian, literally: continuous

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