limma

noun

lim·​ma
ˈlimə
plural limmata
-ətə
1
in ancient Greek music : a semitone in the Pythagorean scale that is less than half a whole step and is designated as the difference between a perfect fourth and two whole steps or 256/243

called also diesis

2
[Late Greek leimma, from Greek] : a pause in Greek verse equivalent to one mora
symbol Λ, λ, ⋀

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Greek leimma Pythagorean semitone, remnant, from leipein to leave

First Known Use

1694, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of limma was in 1694

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Dictionary Entries Near limma

Cite this Entry

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

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