sostenente

noun

so·​ste·​nen·​te
¦sō-stə-¦nen-tē,
-(ˌ)tā
variants or sostinente
plural sostenentes or sostinentes
1
: a device on a piano for attaining a sostenuto effect
2

Word History

Etymology

sostenente alteration of sostinente; sostinente short for sostinente pianoforte

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of sostenente was in 1818

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near sostenente

Cite this Entry

“Sostenente.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sostenente. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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