Word forms: pluralˈcantus ˈfirˌmi (ˈkæntəs ˈfɜrˌmaɪ)
an existing melody used as the basis for a new polyphonic composition
Word origin
ML, lit., fixed song
cantus firmus in American English
(ˈkæntəs ˈfɜːrməs)
noun
1.
the ancient traditional unisonal plainchant of the Christian Church, having its form set and its use prescribed by ecclesiastical tradition
2. Music
a fixed melody to which other voices are added, typically in polyphonic treatment
Word origin
[1840–50; ‹ ML: lit., firm song]This word is first recorded in the period 1840–50. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: colloid, dope, flan, plaque, set piece
Examples of 'cantus firmus' in a sentence
cantus firmus
It systematically grows from a brass fanfare with the character of a cantus firmus, set beside alarming thuds evocative of club music.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
It consists of 50 tiny 'fugues', two-part canons over a cantus firmus, written in what he considered a medieval style.