neume

noun

ˈnüm 

ˈnyüm

: any of various symbols used in the notation of Gregorian chant

neumatic

nu̇-ˈma-tik 

nyu̇-

adjective

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin pneuma, neuma, from Greek pneuma breath — more at pneumatic

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above