continuo

UK:*UK and possibly other pronunciationsUK and possibly other pronunciations/kənˈtɪnjʊˌəʊ/US:USA pronunciation: respellingUSA pronunciation: respelling(kən tin′yo̅o̅ ō′)


WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026
con•tin•u•o  (kən tin′yo̅o̅ ō′),USA pronunciation n., pl. -tin•u•os. [Music.]
  1. Music and Dancea 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.
  • Italian: literally, continuous
  • 1715–25

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
continuo / kənˈtɪnjʊˌəʊ/ ( -os)
  1. a shortened form of basso continuo
    See thorough bass
  2. (as modifier): a continuo accompaniment
  3. the thorough-bass part as played on a keyboard instrument, often supported by a cello, bassoon, etc
Etymology: Italian, literally: continuous
'continuo' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
BC - basso continuo - recitative - thorough bass

Forum discussions with the word(s) "continuo" in the title:


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