fermata

American  

[fer-mah-tuh, fer-mah-tah] / fɛrˈmɑ tə, fɛrˈmɑ tɑ /

noun

Music.

plural

fermatas,

plural

fermate

1. the sustaining of a note, chord, or rest for a duration longer than the indicated time value, with the length of the extension at the performer's discretion.

2. a symbol placed over a note, chord, or rest indicating a fermata.

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fermata British  

/ fəˈmɑːtə /

noun

1. music another word for pause

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Etymology

Origin of fermata

1875–80; < Italian: stop, pause, noun use of feminine of past participle of fermare to stop < Latin firmāre to make firm. See firm ¹, -ate ¹

Example Sentences

When a note has a fermata on it, you hold it for about twice the length of time.”

From Literature

He never made too much of a fermata — especially in the famous four-note opening motif — and subtly rejected notions of fate knocking at the door, relishing instead the symphony’s exploration of motivic obsession.

From New York Times

Then, the second fermata is longer than the first one, tied over to an extra bar.

From New York Times

In the fermata rest of the Ninth’s final bar, Frank’s horn still resonated in the mind, still asking: What of odes?

From New York Times

In the exact middle of it there is a moment: There’s a fermata, and then suddenly this E major chord.

From New York Times