Definitions

1. noun

A musical term referring to the singing of multiple pitches on a single syllable, often used in vocal music or in the singing of some non-Western cultures.

“The singer’s use of melisma added a unique emotional depth to the song.”

2. noun

In linguistics, a melisma refers to a word that has a melodic quality, often due to the repetition of a vowel sound or the use of a rising or falling intonation pattern.

“The linguist studied the melisma in the language, noting its unique melodic characteristics.”