fermata etymology

Etymology

  • Italian: fermata (halt)
  • Latin: firmāta (past participle of firmāre, to fasten, to secure)

Meaning

  • A musical symbol denoting a pause or hold of indefinite length
  • A place where a bus or train stops to pick up or drop off passengers

Origin

The term "fermata" first appeared in Italian music of the 16th century. It was used to denote a pause or hold of indefinite length, typically at the end of a phrase or section. The symbol for the fermata, a small circle above a note, was originally a dot, which was elongated into a circle in the 18th century.

In the 19th century, the fermata began to be used to indicate a pause or hold of specific duration. The duration of the fermata is determined by the conductor or performer, who may indicate it with a gesture or hand signal.

The term "fermata" is also used in transportation to refer to a place where a bus or train stops to pick up or drop off passengers. This usage of the term is derived from the musical meaning, as the bus or train is "paused" at the stop to allow passengers to embark or disembark.

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