fermata

[fer-mah-tuh; Italian fer-mah-tah] /fɛrˈmɑ tə; Italian fɛrˈmɑ tɑ/
noun, plural fermatas Italian, fermate
[fer-mah-te] /fɛrˈmɑ tɛ/ (Show IPA). Music.
1.
the sustaining of a note, chord, or rest for a duration longer than the indicated time value, with the length of the extension at the performer's discretion.
2.
a symbol placed over a note, chord, or rest indicating a fermata.
Origin of fermata
1875-80; < Italian: stop, pause, noun use of feminine of past participle of fermare to stop < Latin firmāre to make firm. See firm1, -ate1
Examples from the web for fermata
  • Understand the basic use of repeat signs and fermata.
  • No other poet could have compared the crescent moon to a fermata, a held note interrupting the harmony of the night.
  • Identify music symbols such as fermata, repeat signs, and double bar lines.
British Dictionary definitions for fermata

fermata

/fəˈmɑːtə/
noun (pl) -tas, -te (-tɪ)
1.
(music) another word for pause (sense 5)
Word Origin
from Italian, from fermare to stop, from Latin firmāre to establish; see firm1
Word Origin and History for fermata
n.

1876, musical term, Italian, literally "stop, pause," from fermare "to fasten, to stop," from fermo "strong, fastened," from Latin firmus (see firm (adj.)).