"Melisma" Pronounce,Meaning And Examples

"Melisma" Natural Recordings by Native Speakers

Melisma
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"Melisma" Meaning

Melisma: A melisma is a musical ornamentation technique in which a single syllable of lyrics is prolonged by the singer, often through the use of elaborate vocal embellishments such as rapid, high-pitched passages, trills, and slides between notes. It is often used in vocal music, particularly in R&B, pop, and gospel genres, to add emotional depth and convey a sense of drama or passion.

"Melisma" Examples

Examples of "Melisma"


In music, a melisma is a characteristic of vocal music in which a single syllable of the text is prolonged and decorated with a series of ornaments, sounds, and vibrations. For instance, Mariah Carey's song "Emotions" features a signature whistle register melisma that showcases her impressive vocal range and control. [^1]

Melisma is not exclusive to classical music; contemporary artists also experiment with melismas to create unique vocal effects. In the song "Halo" by Beyoncé, the chorus features a haunting melisma that adds emotional depth to the lyrics and showcases Beyoncé's impressive vocal range. [^2]

Melismas are particularly suitable for conveying emotions and drama in a song. In the song "Someone Like You" by Adele, the melisma on the line "Never mind, I'll find someone like you" adds a poignant touch to the song and conveys the protagonist's longing and desperation. [^3]

Melismas can also be used to create a sense of tension and release in music. In the song "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen, the operatic sections feature complex and intricate melismas that build up towards a dramatic climax, creating a sense of anticipation and release. [^4]

Melismas are a crucial part of many traditional music styles, such as African American music and blues. In the song "At Last" by Etta James, the melisma on the chorus "At last, my love has found me" adds a sense of authenticity and emotional depth to the song, drawing from James' blues and gospel roots. [^5]

^1]: [Mariah Carey - Emotions (Official Music Video)
^2]: [Beyoncé - Halo (Official Music Video)
^3]: [Adele - Someone Like You (Official Music Video)
^4]: [Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody (Official Lyrics)
[^5]: [Etta James - At Last (Live at Montreux 1975)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?vH_kMt

"Melisma" Similar Words

Meliorator

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A meliorator is a noun that refers to a person or thing that improves or ameliorates a condition, situation, or system. It can also describe someone or something that brings about betterment or reform. The word "meliorate" means to make something better or more tolerable, often by making changes or improvements.

Meliorism

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Meliorism is a philosophical term that refers to the believe that the world can be gradually improved through the efforts of human beings. It is a optimistic perspective that holds that humanity can make progress and achieve better conditions through education, reform, and social change. The word "meliorism" comes from the Latin words "melior", meaning "better", and "-ism", meaning "theory or system". Meliorism is often contrasted with pessimism, which assumes that the world is fundamentally flawed and unchangeable, and nihilism, which believes that the world has no inherent meaning or value.

Meliorist

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Meliorists

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Meliorists are individuals who believe in the possibility of gradual and continuous improvement of the world and society through peaceful means, such as education, social reform, and progress. The term is often used to describe those who advocate for gradual and piecemeal changes to address social and political issues, rather than seeking radical or revolutionary solutions.

Meliority

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Meliphagan

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Meliphagan refers to a type of poetry characterized by the use of a specific pattern of alternating long and short syllables, similar to classical Greek poetry. It is also known as iambic meter or iambic rhythm.

Meliphagidae

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The Meliphagidae family is a group of birds commonly known as honeyeaters. They are small to medium-sized birds that are native to Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands. Honeyeaters are known for their bright plumage, distinctive bills, and sweet, nectar-like songs. They are often found in woodlands, forests, and urban gardens, where they feed on nectar, pollen, and insects.

Meliphagous

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Melismas

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Melismas refer to a musical ornamentation technique where a singer repeatedly sings a single syllable of a word or phrase, often with a rise in pitch.

Melismata

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Melismata is the plural form of the Greek word "melisma", which refers to a musical ornamentation technique in which a single syllable is prolonged and elaborated with multiple nonsyllabic pitches. In other words, it's a vocal embellishment where a singer uses multiple notes to decorate a single syllable in a melody.

Melismatic

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Melismatic refers to singing that involves a prolongation of a single syllable or vowel sound over several notes, often with ornaments and embellishments. This style of singing is commonly found in classical, jazz, and pop music. In other words, melismatic singing is when a singer stretches out a single sound or syllable by singing multiple notes over it.

Melissa

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Melissa is a given name that originated from the Greek word "meli", meaning "honey". It is often given to girls born with a golden or blonde hair color, as a nod to the sweetness and warmth associated with honey. The name Melissa has been popularized in various cultures and has been used in different forms, including Melissa, Melisa, and Malisa.

Melissyl

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Melissyl is not a commonly used word in English language. However, it seems that it is a surname of Greek origin. Melissa is a Greek word for "honey bee". So, if we combine it with the suffix "-yl" which is often used to indicate a possession or relation, we can infer that Melissyl might refer to someone or something related to honey bees.

Melissylene

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Melitensis

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Melitensis is the specific name of a subtype of bacteria, Francisella tularensis, which is the causative agent of tularemia, a zoonotic disease affecting humans and animals.

Melitians

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Melitians is a term used to refer to a group of Christians who lived in the city of Melita (modern-day Malta) in the 5th century. They were a Christian sect that emerged during the heated theological debates of the early Christian Church, particularly around the relationship between the divine and human nature of Jesus Christ. The Melitians were known for their strict adherence to the teachings of the apostles and their rejection of what they saw as heresy in the Church.