decrescendo

[dee-kri-shen-doh, dey-; Italian de-kre-shen-daw] /ˌdi krɪˈʃɛn doʊ, ˌdeɪ-; Italian ˌdɛ krɛˈʃɛn dɔ/
adjective, adverb
1.
gradually reducing force or loudness; diminuendo (opposed to crescendo).
noun, plural decrescendos Italian, decrescendi
[de-kre-shen-dee] /ˌdɛ krɛˈʃɛn di/ (Show IPA)
2.
a gradual reduction in force or loudness.
3.
a decrescendo passage.
Origin
1800-10; < Italian, gerund of decrescere; see decrease
Examples from the web for decrescendo
  • The dynamic level of the ensuing measure is then changed from piano decrescendo to forte.
British Dictionary definitions for decrescendo

decrescendo

/ˌdiːkrɪˈʃɛndəʊ/
noun, adjective
1.
another word for diminuendo
Word Origin
Italian, from decrescere to decrease
Word Origin and History for decrescendo
n.

1806, from Italian decrescendo, from Latin decrescere (see decrease (v.)).