# basso continuo

> English word · Noun

## Definitions
1. The continuous realization of harmony throughout a musical piece, usually by a harpsichord and/or cello, typical of the Baroque period. Abbreviation: bc.

## Etymology
Borrowed from Italian basso continuo (literally “continuous bass”).

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/basso-continuo