cantus firmus
[ kan-tuhs -fur-muhs ]
/ ˈkæn təs ˈfɜr məs /
noun
the ancient traditional unisonal plainchant of the Christian Church, having its form set and its use prescribed by ecclesiastical tradition.
Music. a fixed melody to which other voices are added, typically in polyphonic treatment.
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Origin of cantus firmus
1840–50; <Medieval Latin: literally, firm song
Words nearby cantus firmus
can't see the forest for the trees, can't stand, cant strip, Cantuar., cantus, cantus firmus, can't wait, canty, Canuck, canula, Canute
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020