prestissimo

[ pre-stis-uh-moh; Italian pre-stees-see-maw ]

adverb

1. (a musical direction) in the most rapid tempo.

prestissimo

/ prɛˈstɪsɪˌməʊ /

adjective

1. to be played as fast as possible

noun

1. a piece or passage directed to be played in this way

Word History and Origins

Origin of prestissimo¹

1715–25; < Italian: most quickly, superlative of presto presto

Word History and Origins

Origin of prestissimo¹

C18: from Italian: very quickly, from presto fast

Example Sentences

The rapidity of phrasing in this movement was abnormal—prestissimo, in fact, if we indulge our musical vocabulary.

From Project Gutenberg

Up in the top story hurrying drips beat, like metronomes, all the tempi, from a ponderous adagio to a racing prestissimo.

From Project Gutenberg

I trust to hear from you not only as fast as allegro, but veloce prestissimo, and good tidings too.

From Project Gutenberg

He writes presto on a sonata, or even prestissimo or alia breve, and plays it allegro in three-four time.

From Project Gutenberg

When one dies them, four or five times a week, he longs to hasten the course of events, to change the Andante to a Prestissimo.

From Project Gutenberg