# fermata

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˌfɜːˈmɑːtə/

## Definitions
1. The holding of a note or rest for longer than its usual duration.
2. The notation ⟨◌͒⟩ of such a prolongation, usually represented as a dot with a semi-circle above or below it, written above or below the prolonged note or rest.

## Etymology
Borrowed from Italian fermata, from fermare (“to stop”).

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