rosalia

noun

ro·​sa·​lia
rōˈzälyə
plural -s
: a melody in which a phrase or passage is successively repeated each time a step or half step higher

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from Rosalia (feminine name); from the occurrence of Rosalia as the first word in an old song employing such repetition

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rosalia was in 1875

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Dictionary Entries Near rosalia

Rosales

rosalia

rosaline

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Rosalia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rosalia. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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