a keyboard accompanying part consisting originally of a figured bass, which in modern scores is usually realized, and serving to provide or fill out the harmonic texture.
Origin
1715-25; < Italian: literally, continuous
Examples from the web for continuo
Film was threaded on rollers as a continuo us ribbon.
But cover crops today are seen as having more value, especially in a continuo us no-till system.
British Dictionary definitions for continuo
continuo
/kənˈtɪnjʊˌəʊ/
noun (pl) -os
1.
(music)
a shortened form of basso continuo See thorough bass
(as modifier): a continuo accompaniment
2.
the thorough-bass part as played on a keyboard instrument, often supported by a cello, bassoon, etc