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Webster 1913 Edition

Melisma

‖

Me-lis′ma

,

Noun.

;

pl.

Melismata

(#)

.

[NL., fr. Gr.

μέλισμα

a song.]

(Mus.)

(a)

A piece of melody; a song or tune, – as opposed to

recitative

or musical declamation.

(b)

A grace or embellishment.