cantus firmus
[kan-tuh s fur-muh s]
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.
Origin of cantus firmus
1840–50; < Medieval Latin: literally, firm song
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019