melisma

 
Pronunciation: /mɪˈlɪzmə/

noun (plural melismas or melismata /-mətə/)

Music
  • a group of notes sung to one syllable of text: the melismas of plainchant [mass noun]: the most poetic words can be given more emotive power by using melisma

Derivatives

melismatic

Pronunciation: /-ˈmatɪk/
adjective

Origin:

late 19th century: from Greek, literally 'melody'