diminuendo

[dih-min-yoo-en-doh] /dɪˌmɪn yuˈɛn doʊ/
adjective, adverb
1.
gradually reducing in force or loudness; decrescendo (opposed to crescendo).
noun, plural diminuendoes.
2.
a gradual reduction of force or loudness.
3.
a diminuendo passage. Symbol: >.
Origin
1765-75; < Italian, present participle of diminuire; see diminish
Examples from the web for diminuendo
  • Any mental activity is accompanied by a ceaseless crescendo and diminuendo of background processing.
British Dictionary definitions for diminuendo

diminuendo

/dɪˌmɪnjʊˈɛndəʊ/
noun (pl) -dos
1.
  1. a gradual decrease in loudness or the musical direction indicating this dim, (written over the music affected) ≻
  2. a musical passage affected by a diminuendo
adjective
2.
gradually decreasing in loudness
3.
with a diminuendo
Also decrescendo
Word Origin
C18: from Italian, from diminuire to diminish
Word Origin and History for diminuendo

1775, from Italian diminuendo "lessening, diminishing," present participle of diminuire, from Latin deminuere (see diminish).