DictionaryRoot: coloratura
Italian
coloratura
coloring
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noun
coloratura
kul-er-uh-TOOR-uh/ˌkʌlərəˈtʊrə/
Elaborate vocal passages featuring rapid movement and high notes.
Etymology
The literal meaning “coloring” becomes musical decoration: ornamental runs and flourishes embellish a vocal line, giving it figurative color rather than changing its visible appearance.