Debilissima

/ˌdɛbɪˈlɪsɪmə/ adjective

Definition

The superlative form of debilis (weak) in Latin or Italian musical notation, meaning 'in the weakest possible manner,' used as a performance instruction.

Etymology

From Latin debilis (weak) plus the superlative suffix -issima (the most), which in Italian and musical terminology indicates the highest degree of a quality.

Kelly Says

This is a musical term that appears in scores, telling performers to play as delicately and weakly as possible—it's the kind of specialized vocabulary that reminds us how music has its own elaborate language!

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