ritenente

adverb (or adjective)

ri·​te·​nen·​te
ˌrētəˈnentē,
-en‧(ˌ)tā
: ritardando
used as a direction in music

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from Latin retinent-, retinens, present participle of retinēre to hold back, detain, restrain, retain

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near ritenente

Cite this Entry

“Ritenente.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ritenente. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!