# cantus firmus

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈkæntəs ˈfɝməs/

## Definitions
1. A preexisting melody forming the basis of a polyphonic composition.

## Etymology
Unadapted borrowing from Latin cantus firmus (literally “fixed chant”).

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