definitions

cantus firmus

[ kan-tuh s fur-muh s ]
/ 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.

Nearby words

cantorial, cantoris, cantrip, cantuar., cantus, cantus firmus, canty, canuck, canula, canular, canute

Origin of cantus firmus

1840–50; < Medieval Latin: literally, firm song
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019