# melisma

> English word · Noun · IPA /məˈlɪzmə/

## Definitions
1. A passage of several notes sung to one syllable of text.
2. The use of such passages.

## Etymology
From Ancient Greek μέλισμα (mélisma, “song”), from μελίζω (melízō, “(I) sing, modulate; (I) celebrate in song”), from μέλος (mélos, “song, tune, melody; limb, part; member”).

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