continuo

American  

[kuhn-tin-yoo-oh] / kənˈtɪn juˌoʊ /

noun

Music.

• continuos
  plural

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.

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continuo British  

/ kənˈtɪnjʊˌəʊ /

noun

1. music

   1. a shortened form of basso continuo See thorough bass

   2. ( as modifier )

      a continuo accompaniment

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

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• continuos
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of continuo

1715–25; < Italian: literally, continuous

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

continuo continuos

It was illuminating to hear the period-instrument orchestra—led by Geoffrey Loff, who also played keyboard—with its softer strings and prominent bassoons, though the continuo cellist struggled with coordination.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 20, 2026

Ms. Salvant’s 2023 release, “Mélusine,” included songs that dated back to the 12th century, sung in four languages, and made prominent use of the theorbo, the plucked lute used for Baroque basso continuo accompaniment.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 11, 2026

Scored for five voices, five unspecified instrumental parts and basso continuo, the music is reverent and wistful.

From New York Times ● Mar. 20, 2020

At times, the cellos and basses have the texture of Baroque continuo accompaniment.

From New York Times ● Nov. 7, 2018

But the jussive petatur could be continuing from ite in the first line; compare Statius Sil IV iv 4-5 'atque ubi Romuleas uelox penetraueris arces, / continuo dextras flaui pete Thybridis oras'.

From The Last Poems of Ovid by Mark Bear Akrigg

The level of consciousness is associated with the capacity of that brain to find and refresh, in a continuos way, the position of the being in a model.

From The Brain, A Decoded Enigma by Dorin Teodor Moisa

We join by putting one thing to another in close or continuos connection.

From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary by Noah Webster

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