Crescendo
WordNet
adjective
(1) Gradually increasing in volume
noun
(2) (music) a gradual increase in loudness
verb
(3) Grow louder
"The music crescendoes here"
WiktionaryText
Etymology
, gerund of
Noun
- An instruction to play gradually more loudly, denoted by a long, narrow angle with its apex on the left ( < ).
- A gradual increase of anything, especially to a dramatic climax.
- Their fighting rose in a fearsome crescendo.
- The climax of a gradual increase.
- Their arguing rose to a fearsome crescendo.
Usage notes
- The musical sense indicates that the figurative sense is an increase rather than the climax of the increase. The use of this word to mean the climax of an increase is nonstandard but commonplace.
Verb
- To increase in intensity, to reach or head for a crescendo.
- The band crescendoed and then suddenly went silent.
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Etymology
From , gerund of
Noun
- crescendo
- crescendo