breve

noun

ˈbrēv  ˈbrev 

1

: a note equivalent to two whole notes

2

: a curved mark ˘ used to indicate a short vowel or a short or unstressed syllable

Word History

Etymology

Middle English brefe, from Medieval Latin, from neuter of brevis brief — more at brief

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing breve

• alla breve

Kids Definition

breve

noun

ˈbrēv  ˈbrev 

: a mark ˘ placed over a vowel to show that the vowel is short

Etymology

from Latin breve, brevis "short, brief" — related to brief