Phrase guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
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noun
The continuous realization of harmony throughout a musical piece, usually by a harpsichord and/or cello, typical of the Baroque period. Abbreviation: bc.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: uncountable, usually
Topics: entertainment, lifestyle, music
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: bc, continuo
Antonyms: none provided
noun
a bass part written out in full and accompanied by numbers to indicate the chords to be played
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: figured bass, continuo, thorough bass
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: bass, bass part
History
Borrowed from Italian basso continuo (literally “continuous bass”).
Across languages
10 source translations are retained for this English entry.
