clausula

noun

clau·​su·​la
ˈklȯzhələ
plural clausulae
-ˌlē
1
: a rhythmic close or terminal cadence especially in ancient and medieval Latin prose rhythm see cursus
2
in medieval music : an ornamented cadence or close
3
: a composition in descant style developed from a melismatic phrase of plainsong
clausular
-lə(r)
adjective

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin, from Latin, end, close of a rhetorical period, from clausus, past participle of claudere to close

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Cite this Entry

“Clausula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clausula. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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